Review the tips below on distributing a PSA, how to work with local media, sample email and phone script.
As an active member in your community, you have the opportunity to share first-hand how the pregnant women you work with yearn for information and how childbirth education can help them get the best, evidence-base care for safe and healthy births.
Public service announcement audio files:
PSA 1
PSA 2
Tips on Distributing a PSA
- Begin by making a list of the local radio stations in your community. If there is an NPR affiliate in your community, add them to your list.
- If you are in an area with a lot of LCCE educators, work together to divide and conquer! To prevent duplicate efforts, have each LCCE educator take an outlet (depending on the number of educators and outlets in your community, you may need to take multiple outlets).
- Many stations will have instructions on their website for submitting a PSA. If you cannot find instructions about PSAs, look for a general phone number or email address for the station manager.
- We have created a sample email template and phone script you can use when reaching out to your local media.
- The PSAs included in this resource follow a standard format, but each outlet may have their own requirements. Always be sure to ask.
- Please note that a PSA should be void of any promotion, so please stick to the messaging that has been provided and refrain from including promotion of your classes. If they are interested in learning more, they will figure out how to find local educators.
Sample Email
Subject line: PSA Submission on Childbirth
Education and Care
Hello,
My name is [NAME] and I am a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator in [CITY/TOWN]. As a childbirth educator I see first-hand how the families in our community yearn for information and want to have the safest, healthiest pregnancy and birth possible. Unfortunately there are common barriers that prevent women from getting the best, evidence-based care. [Include an optional fact about stats you may have on the local or state cesarean rate or other valid data point that would necessitate education.]
Childbirth education classes are important for families because:
- They increase confidence in the ability to give birth
- Families learn what the evidence says about what is best for mom and baby during labor and birth
- Partners learn about childbirth and how to provide support throughout pregnancy and labor
I have a PSA about the importance of childbirth education that I would like to submit for your consideration. As an active member in the community, now is an opportunity for [STATION NAME] to share this resource with your [LISTENERS/].
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to contact me at [PHONE NUMBER] or [EMAIL ADDRESS].
Thank you for your consideration,
[NAME]
Sample Phone Script
Hello,
My name is [NAME] and I am a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. As a childbirth educator I see first-hand how the families in our community want to have the safest, healthiest pregnancy and birth possible. Unfortunately there are common barriers that prevent women from getting the best, evidence-based care. [Include an optional fact about stats you may have on the local or state cesarean rate or other valid data point that would necessitate education.]
Childbirth education classes are important for families because:
- They increase confidence in the ability to give birth
- Families learn what the evidence says about what is best for mom and baby during labor and birth
- Partners learn about childbirth and how to provide support throughout pregnancy and labor
I have a PSA about the importance of childbirth education that I would like to submit for your consideration. As an active member in the community, now is an opportunity for [STATION NAME] to share this resource with your [LISTENERS]. What is your preferred PSA submission process? Is there anything else you need? [I look forward to hearing from you!]
Thank you!