Obama Administration Recognizes Military Suicide Prevention PSA Campaign
Washington, D.C. (August 25, 2011) — Today, CEO of The Creative Coalition Robin Bronk and Laura Dempsey, Chairman of Blue Star Families will meet with the White House’s Office of Public Engagement and will be highlighted as one of America’s Champions of Change. The non-profit arts education and advocacy organization and the military family
support organization are being recognized for their national PSA campaign, which has been featured on major national networks and shows throughout the summer.
‘Champions of Change’ is part of President Barack Obama’s Winning the Future initiative
(whitehouse.gov/champions) to “out-innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest
of the world.” This is the second time this year that The Creative Coalition has been recognized by the Obama initiative. The PSAs were produced by The Creative Coalition in partnership with Blue Star Families, with support from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and Health Net, Inc. Directed by actor and President of The Creative Coalition Tim Daly, the PSAs promote a toll-free suicide prevention help line.
The PSAs are airing on ABC, A&E, CBS, History Channel, International History
Channel, Lifetime, Discovery’s Military Channel, VeriFone Digital Media Network’s taxi screens in New York, Boston, Chicago, Miami and Las Vegas, and on National CineMedia’s movie theatre screens across the country. Major League Baseball’s Milwaukee Brewers will be playing the PSAs at their ballpark during their September 11th memorial pre-game activities. The Washington Nationals will be playing the PSAs on their ballpark’s screens
throughout the remainder of the season. Additionally, the PSA will air on all Virgin America flights as part of their in-flight entertainment, starting in October.
The PSAs feature celebrities and athletes such as Academy Award-winners Cher and Melissa Leo (THE FIGHTER), Michael Chiklis (FANTASTIC FOUR, “The Shield”), football star Terrell Owens, and Taye Diggs (“Private Practice”). In addition the PSAs also feature: Minnie Driver (CONVICTION); Omar Epps (“House”); Peter Gallagher (“Covert Affairs”); Aaron Staton (“Mad Men”); Emmy Award-winner Alfre Woodard (“Memphis Beat”);
Tom Arnold (TRUE LIES); Ariel Winter (“Modern Family”); Ashley Jones (“True Blood”); Bridget Moynahan (BATTLE: LOS ANGELES); CCH Pounder (Avatar); Eliza Dushku (“Dollhouse”); Esai Morales (GUN HILL ROAD); Emmy Award-winner Hector Elizondo (“Grey’s Anatomy”); Holt McCallany (“Lights Out”); James Denton (“Desperate Housewives”); Jon Huertas (“Castle”); Karina Smirnoff (“Dancing with the
Stars”); Lea Thompson (“Caroline in the City”); Maria Menounos (“Access Hollywood”); Richard Kind (A SERIOUS MAN); Robert Davi (“Criminal Minds” ); Sara Rue (“Less Than Perfect”); Steven Weber (“Wings”); and Wendie Malick (“Hot in Cleveland”), just to name a few.
About Blue StarFamilies
Blue Star Families (http://www.bluestarfam.org) is a national nonprofit organization of military families from all ranks and services, including guard and reserves. Blue Star Families mission is to support, connect and empower military families. In addition to morale and empowerment programs, Blue Star Families raises awareness of the challenges and strengths of military family life and works to make military life more sustainable.
Membership includes military spouses, children and parents as well as service members, veterans and civilians.
About The Creative Coalition
The Creative Coalition (www.TheCreativeCoalition.org) is the premiere nonprofit, 501(c)3 nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on issues of public importance. The Creative Coalition uses the power and platform of the
arts and entertainment communities in award-winning PSA campaigns. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization’s President.
Contact:
Dennis St. Rose
The Creative Coalition
212-512-8570
dstrose@thecreativecoalition.org
Erik Bright
Prodigy PR for TCC
310-857-2020 x 127
eb@prodigypublicrelations.com
Stephanie Himel-Nelson
Blue Star Families
703-472-6292
Stephanie@bluestarfam.org
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