All members of the news media must work through the Department of Public Relations at Loma Linda University Health. The following guidelines are in place for Loma Linda University Health employees if approached by members of external news media.
1. Do not give any information out. There is no such thing as “off the record.”
2. Even if you feel that you are the appropriate person for the interview, do not answer any questions until you’ve completed the steps below.
3. Write down the caller’s name, media affiliation and phone number.
4. Politely but firmly ask that the member of the news media wait until you have contacted the media relations team at Loma Linda University Health. Ask the operator (909-558-4000) to page the media relations specialist on-call.
Suggested phrasing: “We want to make sure that the appropriate person speaks with you so that you get the most accurate information. The best person to arrange that for you is our media relations specialist.”
5. During normal business hours, you may also call the Office of Public Relations at 909-558-4111.
6. If you find a member of the news media on the premises unaccompanied by one of our public relations representatives or otherwise without authorization, politely but firmly escort him/her to an area where you can page the media relations specialist through our operator (step 4 above).
7. If necessary, call security 909-558-4320 or ext. 44320.