Spots on Nations Top Radio Shows and Free Resources Highlight Association's Campaign
(Rockville, MD - April 17, 2008) For the second consecutive year, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has become a sponsor of National Public Radio (NPR) programming to help brand the May is Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) observance and to educate the public about our professions and communication disorders.
"ASHA is committed to raising the visibility of our professions and this is the second consecutive year that ASHA has used NPR to get our message out," stated ASHA 2008 President Catherine Gottfred. "We believe that NPR is an effective way to reach a large and influential segment of the public about the important care they provide."
ASHA's 10-second BHSM radio spots will begin airing on NPR programs, Morning Edition and The Diane Rehm Show, the last week in April and for several weeks in May.
Morning Edition is one of NPR's flagship drive-time programs carried by nearly all NPR member stations across the United States. With more than 13.5 million weekly listeners it is the #1 rated morning radio show in the country, and overall the #2 radio show nationally.
The Diane Rehm Show is an award-winning NPR call-in program that offers its more than 1.7 million weekly listeners thoughtful and lively conversations on an array of topics with many of the most distinguished people of our times.
During this annual observance ASHA provides audiologists and speech-language pathologists free promotional resources through its website www.asha.org. "Helping People Communicate" is this year's BHSM theme, and free items include customizable PDF advertisements, press releases, media advisories, public service announcements, resolutions and proclamations. A drawing contest and online BHSM store, featuring nominally priced items promoting the campaign are also part of ASHA's 2008 BHSM offerings.
"May is Better Hearing and Speech Month is an opportunity for audiologists and speech-language pathologists to promote the importance of their services and the great work they do," states Gottfred. "By providing these promotional resources and the spots on NPR, ASHA is helping audiologists and speech pathologists to raise awareness and educate consumers about the professions and communication disorders.
Since 1927, ASHA's annual May event has provided the Association and its members with a public education platform to raise awareness about communication disorders and promote treatment that can improve the quality of life for those who experience problems with speaking, understanding, or
hearing.
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 130,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and dizziness disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems including swallowing disorders.
