Most newspaper websites have a staff list somewhere -- you might have to go into the site map to find it. It may be hidden under "member services" or "media center" if it's not immediately apparent. In addition, many papers are now putting e-mail addresses at the end of articles or, in the online version, as links from bylines. You can always try a Google search on, for example, Los Angeles Times staff or Washington Post staff list or similar.

Alternatively, some papers, like the NY Times, have an e-mail address where you can send a blank e-mail and get an automated reply with the e-mail addresses of staff members who have chosen to make theirs public (the NYT address is staff@nytimes.com).

Most reporters and editors hate mass e-mails. Make sure the reporters or editors you want to contact actually cover health or medical issues. A more personal approach will likely have far better success; when you contact reporters or their editors, show that you have some knowledge of the publication -- if you subscribe, say so -- and try to provide a reason the reporter should write (or the editor should assign) a story NOW about the topic you'e suggesting: Is there new information in a scientific journal about the HPV link? Has a local dentist begun using the VelScope? Is a fund-raising event (like the Chicago walk) coming up? etc. etc.

Don't be concerned if you can only get a suburban paper to bite on the story; reporters for the big dailies read those papers and often will pick up on something that looks interesting.

-- Leslie