Advocating for Psoriasis Awareness in Washington, D.C.

I have been a psoriasis advocate for over ten years now. It started when I joined the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF). One of the things that the National Psoriasis Foundation does every year is have something called "Capitol Hill Day."

They get a group of patient advocates together to go to each person’s Congressional Members and speak to them about issues that are impacting every person living with psoriasis. I had never heard of this being done until getting involved as an advocate.

So far, I have made three trips with the National Psoriasis Foundation to attend Capitol Hill Day and will be making my fourth trip in March 2024. If you have never been to Capitol Hill, I can guarantee you it is an experience you will never forget.

My first trip to D.C.

When I had been notified that I had been chosen to go to Washington I was so thrilled. The flight and hotel room were already lined up so all I had to do is just be to the airport on time. I was looking forward to being with my psoriasis family and meeting others I had not met before. The NPF had planned a training session so we would know what to do when it comes to meeting with Congressional Members.

It was very informative. I felt like I knew what to say about what we would be asking the Members to support. The following morning started with breakfast and a refresher course on what the NPF was asking for. Next was all of us loading up on a bus that took us to Capitol Hill. There was so much excitement from everyone. Once we arrived, we were all gathered for a group picture.

Time for congressional meetings

For me this time was filled with so many emotions. I was excited but also scared to death. What if I said the wrong thing? I had been paired with a lady from Kentucky. My very first meeting was in the office of Mitch McConnell. If you watch the news, you know he is a very important person in Congress. I was petrified. We met with his staff member that handles health issues.

It was a great meeting. The staff member was so very nice and attentive to what we were saying. It helped to calm my fears. We had six meetings lined up for that day. It was hectic with a lot of walking to get to each meeting. I tried to absorb everything that was going on. Each meeting we deemed a success. It was much like the first meeting we had.

I must share one funny part of the day with you. One of the meetings we had was with my Congressional Member from Louisiana. I knew he was from down South. It meant that he and his staff would be of Cajun background. I tried to prepare the other people that were with me that that the person could have a strong accent. It’s not easy to explain this accent.

As soon as we walked in his office there was huge stuffed alligator display. We had the meeting, and it was just as I expected. We leave his office. As soon as we are in the hallway one person questioned “What was that?” I laughed so hard. I told her “You just met a true Cajun from Louisiana.” If you have never heard a Cajun person's accent, google it and I promise you will understand.

Did you know you can meet with your Congressional members, too?

One of the things I came to know that day was that you are allowed to meet with your Congressional Members staff. Because you are a Constituent from their state, they want to know what you have to say. You might have to wait a bit if you do not have an appointment. The NPF had already set up meetings, so we were expected to arrive. If you cannot make it to D.C. there are always Town Hall meetings that the Congressional Members have when Congress is on a break.

Either way, you can get involved with your Congressional Members!