Calling or writing to your elected officials is a quick and easy way to make your opinions heard. Elected officials are concerned with their constituents’ interests. By letting your elected officials know about PH, there is an increased chance that they will get involved in the PH cause.
Steps:
Make a list of your elected officials
PHA has a helpful online tool that can help you find the information you will
need. You can access it at http://capwiz.com/phassociation. Enter your zip code
in the appropriate box and click “Go”. The following page will give you the names of your representative and senators. Click on each of these names to get their contact information and include it in your notes.
Find the name of each elected official’s Health Legislative Assistant (LA) The Health LA is the staffer in charge of researching and recommending health policies for the elected official. You can find the name of the Health LA by using the same online tool. Go through the same steps above to pull up each elected official’s information. There is an option under each elected official’s photograph that is called “staff”. Click on that and you will see the names of several staffers including the Health LA. Make a note of the relevant information.
Tailor your message When calling your elected official’s office, it is appropriate to ask to speak with the Health LA. When writing to your elected official, it is better to address your correspondence to the elected official directly. Your message should consist of three key points:
Introduction of yourself as a member of the PH community and constituent of the elected official
Brief presentation of PH with highlights of your experience with PH
Call or send your message
When calling, do not be discouraged if you are not able to get a hold of the Health LA on the first try. Leave him/her a message and call back to follow up in a week.
When sending a letter, please keep in mind that mail takes a long while to process for Capitol Hill offices. You may not receive a response quickly and calling can yield faster results.
Tell PHA
Send a copy of your letter or talking points and government
evaluation form to PHA.
Upon receipt, PHA will send you a certificate of recognition
and offer the opportunity to connect with other active members
of the PH community.
The
information provided on the PHA website is provided for general information
only. It is not intended as legal, medical or other professional
advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations
with qualified professionals who are familiar with your individual
needs.
