([CITY, STATE]) Your first sentence, “the lead,” should contain your most important news announcement providing the basic facts on who, what, when, where and why. Your second sentence can include whatever pieces of important information you cannot fit in the first sentence.

“A quote often starts the second paragraph and delivers a major message point of your effort,” said your organization's president or spokesperson. “A quote can state an opinion and add a human element to the story.” The person writing the release will make up the quote so that it is on message, but it must be approved by the person to whom the quote is attributed, and often is adjusted to respond to their concerns, tone and style. Continue with more information on the event or announcement in paragraph three. Include interesting and relevant facts that are part of your main message.

A fourth paragraph might introduce a personal story of tragedy or triumph that relates to your issue. “Amplify your message with another quote, either from the same spokesperson or from a different source,” said person with the human interest story or another key leader in the community. “Be sure to make the quotes sound conversational and brief.” The quote might highlight why enrolling children in health care coverage is particularly important in your state or county.

A fifth paragraph tells the public what you most want them to know about your coalition or organization. How long has it been working in this community? How can people contact you via phone, mail or Internet? The last paragraph lets people know about the funder. “This program was made possible through funding from the Piscataquis Public Health Council. The Piscataquis Public Health Council is one of 31 local Healthy Maine Partnerships, working on tobacco-prevention and control, physical activity and nutrition using tobacco settlement funds provided through the Fund for a Healthy Maine, for more information, visit the PPHC's website at www.mayohospital.com/pphc/ or call 564-4344.”

If you have any questions, please contact Robin Mayo at the Piscataquis Public Health Council at 564-4344 or at www.mayohospital.com/pphc/.

NOTE: Remember to put your news release on your organization's letterhead