Getting Involved in Health Policy Advocacy

Getting to know your local senators and representatives and getting involved in health policy advocacy is a great way to make a positive impact on your community and the healthcare system. As patients we have a unique opportunity to get involved in this type of advocacy because of our lived experiences with chronic illness and the issues we face are often directly used to shape health policy.

Here are steps to help you get started.

Identify your elected officials

Use online tools or government websites to find out who your local senators and representatives are. You may have both state and federal representatives. Make note of their names, contact information, and district offices. You should also reach out to their staff to get introduced; this is very helpful to build relationships with your officials.

Attend local government meetings

Local government meetings, town halls, and public forums are great places to meet your elected officials. Attend these events to learn more about their priorities and engage in discussions. Get involved in grassroots campaigns, such as letter-writing, phone-banking, or organizing community events to raise awareness about healthcare issues.

Build a strong foundation of knowledge

Educate yourself on current healthcare issues, policies, and legislation at both the state and federal levels. Stay informed about the specific issues that matter most to you and your health community. Knowledge of the issues is extremely important.

Join advocacy groups and nonprofits

Look for local or national organizations that focus on healthcare policy advocacy. Join these groups to connect with like-minded individuals and gain access to resources and information. Work with the advocacy organizations you've joined to coordinate efforts, lobby for specific policies, and amplify your message. These groups often have established connections and can provide guidance and support.

Connect with your elected officials

Contact your senators and representatives by phone, email, or through their official websites. Introduce yourself and express your interest in healthcare policy. Attend their local events, town hall meetings, or office hours to meet them in person.

Build relationships with your elected officials and their staff members. Building trust takes time, so be patient and persistent. This is often easier than you think but patience is key as they have busy schedules.
Share your personal stories and experiences to help them understand the real-world impact of healthcare policies. Be persistent.

Develop a clear message

This is important! Clearly define the healthcare policy issues that are important to you and your community. Craft a concise, persuasive message about why these issues matter and what you'd like your elected officials to do. Being knowledgeable helps develop this message and elected officials often appreciate concise messages that get the point across.

Stay informed and engaged

Stay updated on the progress of healthcare legislation and policy changes. Continually engage with your elected officials, whether it's through regular communication, meetings, or attending hearings and public hearings.

Use social media

We all know the impact social media has on just about everything and getting involved in Health Policy through Social Media is a great way to make connections to get started. Utilize social media to engage with your elected officials and raise awareness about healthcare policy issues. Many politicians are active on platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

Remember that healthcare policy advocacy requires dedication, time, and effort. By building relationships, staying informed, and being persistent, you can make a meaningful impact on healthcare policy in your community and beyond.