Let's Be Clear:Clarity Starts with Education

Substance use disorders are preventable diseases. Local media and partner organizations can play an instrumental role in prevention, treatment and recovery by sharing fact-based information.

We encourage you to share the Let’s Be Clear message on social media and other platforms to help raise awareness, fight stigma and promote prevention.

Graphics, logos, photos and other brand assets may not be used without prior approval. Please note that requests may take 3-4 weeks to be processed. For questions, interviews and media inquiries, please contact us.

Purchasing or negotiating discounted or free advertising space can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to media buying. Here are a few tried-and-true tactics to use when promoting Let’s Be Clear messaging materials.

Let’s Be Clear was developed in response to the ongoing national opioid crisis. The primary intent of this messaging is to build public awareness and:

- Reduce stigma around substance use disorders in South Dakota
- Educate South Dakotans about the public dangers of substance use and misuse
- Inform communities about preventative measures they can take to keep families safe
- Direct individuals and their loved ones to treatment and recovery services

Radio and television stations licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are required to provide a certain percentage of on-air public service announcements. Newspaper and magazines are not required to adhere to the same standards. But, many local newspapers and publications are owned and operated by individuals who have been affected by the opioid crisis. South Dakotans are known for coming together and being supportive at the community level. Often, local media outlets will be willing to discuss editorial coverage, discounted rates, and/or free advertising options.

Let them know that you have done the legwork for them and point them to LetsBeClearSD.com for South Dakota-specific information and key data. Remind them that providing prevention strategies and evidence-based educational information can help improve the overall health of our communities and save lives.

Broadcast television and radio stations are encouraged to run pre-produced Let’s Be Clear branded messages as PSAs as often as possible. This will help raise awareness, promote prevention, and point people to available services. Sharing these messages helps reframe the discussion around addiction. Contact us for more on how to access broadcast quality spots.

For print media, ask your sales representative if the publication has any special “flight rates” or “TOMA” (Top of Mind Awareness) discounts. If so, have them show you how much more cost-effective they are when compared to their standard rates. Ask if they are willing to provide discounted rates or a buy-one-get-one option to help increase visibility.