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Mental Health
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Commissioner

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Office of Public Information & Community Relations PICR
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spaceJohn Ziegler, Ph.D., Director


The Office of Public Information and Community Relations strives to create awareness and educate the public about the department’s mission, initiatives, and mental health subject matter. It also develops public education campaigns designed to overcome stigma with the truth. In addition, when there are issues of interest to the media, the staff drafts responses on behalf of the department.

PICR invites you to visit two pages on this Web site that relay the latest news of the department and mental health issues around the state. Our Press Releases page contains the last year’s worth of releases to the media on behalf of the department. The Media Center page features publications, videos, and other resource materials that the PICR has developed.

Public Relations Tool Kit
A new resource developed by our office to help you develop your own PR plan for your organization. All of the pieces that make up our tool kit can be found below.

Project Request Form
Our office is available to advise groups in developing both educational and promotional materials. We act much the same as a corporate marketing department or in-house advertising agency. To get started with us on your next project please download and submit our Project Request Form.

Awards
Is there someone in your organization that goes above and beyond the call of duty? The department offers three ways to honor outstanding mental health service. The Dr. Peter Bryce Award recognizes outstanding licensed staff (i.e. doctors, nurses, pharmacists). The Caring Hands Award recognizes excellence exhibited by non-licensed direct care staff (i.e. social workers, case managers). The Citation of Excellence can be awarded to any outstanding employee.

More information about the criteria for each of these awards, and the nomination process can be found on the nomination form for each award listed below:

Dr. Peter Bryce Award Nomination Form (coming soon)
Caring Hands Nomination Form (coming soon)
Citation of Excellence Nomination Form (coming soon)

Speaker's Bureau
The PICR maintains the department's Speaker's Bureau. Volunteer professionals and advocates are eager to visit your club, organization, school, church group, etc., to speak about a full range of topics related to mental illness, intellectual disability or substance abuse issues. For more information or to arrange a speaker, contact the PICR at 334-242-3417.

Ideally, it is best to contact us at least two weeks before your engagement so that we can best meet your needs.



Left from Us:
Letter from Commissioner Houston
Send us your News!
What can we do for you?
Project Request Form
Resources Available from DMH

Reference Material:
Outlook Newsletter
Media Guide

Right for You:
Introduction
Elements of a PR Plan
Writing & Using Press Releases
Writing & Using Opinion Pieces
Media Coverage
Community Relations
Crisis Management & Communications
Style Guide/Manual

PR Samples:
Press Release
Letter to the Editor
Media Clippings
Fact Sheet

Help

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Press Releases
Media Center
Events Calendar
Possibility Stories
Advocacy Services
Nursing Home Screening (OBRA PASRR)
Deaf Services
Children's Services
Staff Development & Training
Nurse Delegation Program
Becoming a Community Provider
Contracts & Vendor Opportunities
RSS Feed
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