Tailor your
message
When you share your experience with PH, it is important to keep
in mind what you want your audience to learn or to do as a result
of your actions. Pick one or two goals from this page that you
think will be most relevant to your audience, and ask them for
their support.
Possible goals of your talk:
Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension:
- chest pain, especially during physical activity
- coughing
- shortness of breath
- edema (swollen legs and ankles)
- extreme fatigue
- fainting
- light-headedness, especially when climbing stairs or
upon standing up
Source: Richard N. Channick, MD. |
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Raise PH Awareness
It is important to increase public awareness of PH - both
its symptoms and treatments. Consider sharing this sidebar
with your audience, and ask them to pass the information along
to their friends and relatives. Encourage anyone experiencing
these symptoms to ask their doctor about the possibility of
PH.
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Increase support for the PH Research Act
The PH Research Act is an important piece of legislation
being considered by Congress right now. Find out if your senators
and representative have co-sponsored the bill. If they have,
ask your audience to thank them for their support. If not,
ask your audience to call, write or visit their senators and
representatives and ask them to co-sponsor the PH Research
Act.
Consider passing out flyers at your event. Include your elected
official's name, phone number and address along with his or
her stance on the PH Research Act. Also include step-by-step
instructions explaining how to contact the elected official.
See the advocacy packet in this folder for more information.
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Fundraise
Fundraising efforts help fund PH research, support groups
and the patient helpline. Consider asking your audience to
financially support PHA's efforts. This support can take a
variety of forms, from setting up a special collection, to
buying PHA pins and merchandise, to participating in a local
special event such as a fun-walk.
