Frequently Asked Questions
The CDC’s Division of Media Relations is responsible for providing information to reporters, news producers, those writing for news publication and broadcasts, and other people working on news programs or stories. Although media relations might not be the best source for your inquiry, below is a list of frequently asked questions that can help guide you to the appropriate source within CDC.
Q: I am a citizen who would like to speak with someone about a particular disease/health issue. Who can I speak with?
A: CDC’s Public Inquiries line can direct your call to the source within CDC best suited to answer your questions. They can be reached toll-free at 1-800-311-3435. It may also be helpful to use the search field at the top right-hand corner of the CDC web site to look for information related to your inquiry.
Q: A personal acquaintance/family member works at CDC, but I can’t seem to find their contact information. How can I contact them?
A: Directory Services can transfer your call to any person who works at CDC and has a direct line. If you call 404-639-3311, you need only provide the first and last name of the person you wish to contact, and your call will be routed to that person. NOTE: It may be helpful to provide the center or office building at which the person works, in case there are multiple people with the same first and last name.
Q: Is there a part of CDC that is open to the public? If so, where can I learn more about visiting CDC?
A: CDC’s Global Health Odyssey, which contains several exhibitions and presentations, is open to the public. However, please note that CDC is a working federal agency and as such does not provide public tours of its other campus facilities or laboratories. More information on visitor access can be found at CDC’s Global Health Odyssey.
Q: My organization is planning a conference and would like someone from CDC to speak at the event. Who at CDC can I contact about this?
A: CDC’s Speaker's Bureau is made up of a group of CDC employees who volunteer their time when work permits, to speak to various groups about public health issues. This group comprises employees of all ranks, grades, and areas of expertise. Simply fill out the form on the Speaker’s Bureau page, and a CDC representative will contact you to discuss the speaking engagement.
Q: My company provides services which may be beneficial to media relations or the CDC in general. Who can I speak with about a potential business relationship?
A: As part of the Federal government, CDC must follow established rules and regulations when it comes to purchasing goods and services. FedBizOpps is the single government point-of-entry (GPE) for Federal government contract procurement opportunities. Full information is available at the FedBizOpps web site. For more information on CDC funding opportunities, including contact information, please visit the Procurement and Grants Office (PGO).
Q: I work for a publication which may be suitable for CDC advertisements. Who can I speak with about the possibility of CDC purchasing advertising space in the publication?
A: For the most part, CDC does not purchase advertising space. However, if you have space to donate for a Public Service Announcement, please contact media relations at 404-639-3286.
Q: I am developing a publication and need high-resolution visuals. Does CDC have a place where I can retrieve such materials free of use?
A: Yes, CDC’s Public Health Image Library (PHIL) contains numerous high resolution pictures, graphs, and illustrations that are mostly in the public domain, meaning they can be used and/or replicated to long as CDC is credited as the source of origin. NOTE: While most materials in the PHIL are public domain, a few copyrighted visuals are present. For information on use of copyrighted materials, please contact Varian Brandon at Vbrandon@cdc.gov.
Q: I am looking for CDC PSAs and/or b-roll to use for my production. Who can I contact about procuring such materials?
A: The Division of Media Relations has a limited supply of b-roll, since a great deal of videos comes not from one particular place, but from the various entities within CDC. By sending an e-mail with your name, organization, contact information, and video content requested to In.the.News@cdc.gov, we will be able to confer with other CDC representatives and facilitate your request much more rapidly.
Page last modified: October 10, 2006
