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Advocating for Public Health Education Legislation and Health Promotion Funding

You have a demanding job. A lot to do in too few hours. You may be deeply cynical about a Congress that seems too preoccupied with highly political matters to pay much attention to public health issues. Why should you take the time to get involved with policy makers?

A. You are a constituent. Elected legislators pay more attention to communications from their constituents than from any other source.

B. You understand the health education needs in your community. You have special credibility because of your training and experience. The member of Congress is elected to address the needs in his district or state. They depend on constituents to identify gaps in their communities that need addressing.

C. Everyone is in favor of protecting the public's health. They just don't know exactly what public health is or what it means. If you don't explain what your public health program does, no one else will.

D. With thousands of pieces of legislation introduced each session, members and their staff can’t know all subjects thoroughly. They rely on you to tell them what works and what does not.

But first...Please educate yourself on your department’s policies regarding contact with federal and state legislators.