The purpose of this communications plan is to guide and inform DSHS, Local Planning Area staff and partners on how to spread the word about Facing Fentanyl Together, simultaneous Opioid/Fentanyl Resource Fairs held across the state. These events will bring together experts, people with lived experience and community programs to provide members in the community with information and resources so that they are prepared to respond to the opioid/fentanyl crisis for themselves or their loved ones.
The resource fairs are a collaboration between state agencies, tribes, counties, cities, communities and business partners, and this plan will provide guidance, a timeline for communications and a messaging toolkit.
TIMELINE
DSHS/Statewide Comms – Announce events on social on or around Aug. 31. Send out press release week of Sept. 1.
LPA partners to community media – Week of Sept. 1. (It’s best practice to avoid sending press releases on a Friday.
Social Posts – Social posts previewing event should begin on or around Aug. 31. During and after the event, you’re encouraged to post pictures and videos of the activities in your area.
KEY COMMUNICATIONS CHANNELS:
Local Media:
Create a list of local papers, TV stations, radio stations, blogs, etc. Use sample press release from toolkit to share information on your local event to encourage promotion and coverage of the event in your community. Many outlets also have community calendars where you can enter information about your event.
Social Media Channels:
Create a list of the social media channels for community partners, business partners and resource fair contributors. Share with them the suggested posts from the toolkit and encourage regular posting beginning on or around Aug. 31 and continuing up until events. Encourage them to post photos/videos from the event Sept. 20.
Email marketing:
Encourage business partners, community partners or resource fair contributors to share information about their local resource fair with their email subscribers by using the sample email invite included in the toolkit.
TOOLKIT
Press release Template
Social media guide
Social Media Graphic
Flyer Template
Email invite Template
One-pager
Questions? Email: Jessica Nelson at jessica.nelson1@dshs.wa.gov