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Advocacy for preventive care

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Advocacy

• Influences outcomes for others and our professions• Brings about social justice• Uses teamwork and organizations to accomplish their missions and their visions• Asks the question “what if” to transform our world to improve quality of life• Protects human rights• Empowers others to help realize their needs

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Key Health care Issues

• Examples of key health care issues:- Infectious diseases- Obesity- Substance abuse- Lack of access to health care- Depression- Rape- Fall prevention

• See health problems and relevant data identified for Healthy People 2020 at www.healthypeople.gov

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The Legislative Process 1. Bill or resolution is introduced into Congress

Bills are labelled: HR = House bill S = Senate bill

2. Legislation is referred to a committee for review3. Committee review by subcommittees may be influenced by health care professionals and

lobbyists4. Committee votes on bill with recommendations5. Bill is debated in Congress with votes to pass or defeat bill6. Bill sent to President for final approval or veto

(10-day waiting period before it becomes law)7. 2/3 of Congress may override veto

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Direct Advocacy• Direct advocacy involves contacting legislators at local, state, regional, or national

levels for advocacy:- E-mails or letters (see Tables 18-2 and 18-3 for examples)- Telephone contacts

• Be prepared and succinct• Information may be taken by staff members; identify yourself and staff member

- Personal contacts:• Make an appointment; state purpose• Introduce self or spokesperson• Focus on topic; offer examples related to policy change• Be prepared: offer a current fact sheet, answer questions, and offer follow-up• Thank person and follow up with constituents

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Indirect Advocacy• Become involved in professional organizations that influence the legislative process• Encourage people with disabilities and their families to become involved in coalitions, parent

associations, and support groups• Attend hearings, public rallies, and other events that connect with legislators• Use websites (eg, Make Your Voice Heard [w2.eff.org/congress/])• Refer to legislation by its number and title• Be persistent

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Advocacy at the National Level • American Public Health Association

- Oldest and largest organization- www.apha.org

• Other national organizations:- American Physical Therapy Association- American Academy of Pediatrics- American Academy of Family Physicians- Other health care and public health organizations

• Common concerns relate to accessibility to health care, prevention services, choice of providers, consumer-friendly information, and data about health plans

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Advocacy at the State Level

•Contact:- State professional organizations- State health department- Specialty medical associations- Interested consumer groups

•Present to their Board of Directors or leaders• Join task forces to support issues•Advise policy makers with current data and recommendations

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Advocacy at the Local Level

•Work in partnership with local organizations and health departments• Recognize mission and scope of each department and organization• Address issues of accessibility and affordability through advocacy• Partner to provide health information and strategies for health, fitness, and

wellness

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Advocacy for World Health• World Health Organization’s 8 Millennium Development Goals:

- Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger- Achieve universal primary education- Promote gender equality and empower women- Reduce child mortality- Improve maternal health- Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases- Ensure environmental sustainability- Develop a global partnership for development

• Explore the international healthcare community:- WHO website: www.who.int- World Federation of Public Health Associations: www.wfpha.org

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Advocacy for Older Adults

• Eliminate barriers to older adults- Limited public transportation- Physical barriers to facilities- Psychological barriers (eg, ageism)

• Support social policies that encompass physical, psychological, cultural, religious, spiritual, economic, health, and other issues faced by older adults

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Summary• Health care professionals must serve as advocates for prevention practice and health

promotion.• Legislative processes affecting public health policies can be influenced both directly and

indirectly at all levels: local, state, national, and international.• Advocacy must work to remove barriers to all populations at risk for health problems and

those facing discrimination.• Networking and collaborating with others can restore hope to those in need.