The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) has introduced the profession's first "Ready Response Hotline." ICA's direct access hotline is available for chiropractors to report negative press reports on chiropractic throughout the country.
"We started Ready Response because we realized we needed a quick and effective tracking system to combat the negative press coverage of the profession," announced ICA President Fred H. Barge, D.C. "What better way for chiropractors to alert the profession about negative press reports than phoning in the complaint?"
The hotline works as follows: When a DC (member or non-member) reads or hears any negative stories about chiropractic in both print or broadcast media outlets, they should call ICA's toll-free number, 1-800-423-4690, to report the date, time, station or publication, reporter/producer, and details of the story. ICA's public relations staff will then respond immediately and follow up directly with the specific media outlets. The hotline is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST.
To date, ICA has received complaints on various syndicated programs including "Divorce Court," "House Party," and "Doogie Howser, M.D." Once ICA receives the doctor's report, the program's producers are sent a complaint letter and research materials demonstrating the efficacy of chiropractic care.
Editor's note:
ICA's "Ready Response Hotline" is to be applauded for fulfilling a much-needed organized effort to track and follow through in attacking and correcting anti-chiropractic expressions in the various media. Write the toll-free telephone number in the article down. Keep it in a convenient, easily accessible place so that you can readily inform the ICA the next time you encounter any negative press regarding chiropractic.
