Office of Public Affairs

The Office of Public Affairs is the central communication arm of the department. Through outreach materials, news releases, interviews, fact sheets, web pages, and other publications, we help the public understand programs and issues. We work with the media to encourage public support for vulnerable populations, especially high-risk children. We alert the public to services they may need and to dangers to avoid.

For all media outlets, Public Affairs provides a centralized point of contact. We can find the answers for reporters, or hook them up with the people with the answers. Call 919-733-9190.

If members of the media want to receive our statewide press releases by email as soon as they are released, ask to be placed on our media list-serve. (If you do so, please alert your spam blocker allow emails from ncmail.net addresses.)

We're also building our photo library of senior staff.

Public Affairs provides the department with the following services:

• Publicizing the news of the department with press releases, press conferences and interviews, and fielding media calls. (Read the department's media policy.)
• The Public Information Officer assigned to each division can help write and edit brochures, newsletters, Web sites, reports, manuals, posters, and other publications. Public Affairs has the final signoff authority for all printed and Web materials created within DHHS. More information on document review
• Whether publications needs just little polish or a creative overhaul, the Graphics Shop in Public Affairs can give publications a professional look, at no cost to the asking division or office. More info on the Graphics Shop

Document review

Do you need to have a document or other materials reviewed for publication? Are you unsure where to begin? Here is information to help you through the process:

Materials that need to be reviewed

• Any brochure, pamphlet, newsletter, Web site, booklet, book, report, manual, poster, invitation or similar publication.
• Web sites and web-based materials (see chapter 1 in the Website Style Guide for a review checklist)
• Logos
• Promotional plans and materials, including print and broadcast advertisements, "spots," and public service announcements
• Scripts for audiovisual presentations for use outside the department.

Documents that do not need to be reviewed

Intra-agency and interagency communications, such as letters, memos, instructions, training manuals and correspondence.

Review and approval process

Division directors or office heads must ensure that publications originating within their divisions are factual, accurate and conform to department and state policies. The following multilevel review process is used:

Fill out an PA-2 Publication Review form and attach with the document at the beginning of the review process so all necessary signatures can be added. Be sure to allow for an adequate amount of time for document review when planning the publication process.

For more information or help in understanding the document review process, contact Public Affairs Office at (919) 733-9190.

Graphics Shop

The DHHS Graphic Artists can help with document design, creation of logos and other graphics. All materials need to include the required items for DHHS print materials.

For help with document design and graphics, contact the Graphic Arts Office at (919) 733-6204 or (919) 733-2589.