October 27, 2020
Media Contact: Christie Wills, Office of Epidemiology, Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD), christie.wills@vdh.virginia.gov
ROANOKE VALLEY CHILDREN’S CHOIR RELEASES A PSA TO ENCOURAGE SAFE BEHAVIOR TO REDUCE THE TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19
(ROANOKE, Virginia) — The Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir (RVCC) recorded a jingle to encourage social distancing, hand hygiene, and wearing masks. Recorded October 19, the jingle is being released to the public and all media outlets free of charge and for immediate use October 27.
Using a nostalgic tune from a 1950s-60s Evans Drug Store radio jingle, the 30-second spot has updated lyrics written by Dr. Molly O’Dell. O’Dell is serving as Director of Communicable Diseases for the Roanoke City-Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD), and is also the parent of a former RVCC member.
“We are thrilled with the participation of the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir to help reinforce the message that will help reduce the spread of disease: wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance,” said O’Dell. “We hope to see this message shared far and wide.”
Kim Davidson, Director of the Roanoke Children’s Choir said, “The choir is honored to be asked to play a role in helping people remember how to be safe and do their part to keep others safe during this pandemic.” The RVCC’s online version is available at https://youtu.be/xCW3m8NYS0g.
In addition to the audio spot (attached) being made available to all local radio stations and other venues with broadcast capabilities, Chris Henson, Creative Director of Access Advertising, will be creating an additional video version of the jingle targeted for an even wider online presence. “I’m also a parent of a former choir member, so I jumped at the chance to help get the word out about this critically important message,” said Henson.
“Think About Your Neighbor…”
-Lyrics by Molly O’Dell, MD:
Think about your neighbor,
Think about your friend,
Think about our elders,
On us they all depend.
Let’s all join together
And do as we’ve been asked-
Social distance,
Wash your hands,
And wear a mask.
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