How I Teach
how to engage their elected officials to advance and
advocate on behalf of our hematology patients – that is
simply how democracy works. But, to be successful at
our goals, we also need to understand how to communicate our messages.
For the amateur advocate, or for those who are interested in becoming involved with these efforts, I share a
few key points that I have learned over the years. As with
everything, practicing these skills is critical.
Framing the Issue
Elected officials have a very wide scope of responsibilities
to their constituencies. They serve many people with many
competing interests. Senators and Representatives are not
keenly aware of the needs of the hematologic community,
and GME programs in particular. When we try to advance
an idea to an elected official, we need to be cognizant of
how he or she relates to this subject. Present the issue from
the perspective of their constituencies – that is how they
relate. Talking about only the drug shortage, or how we
as hematologists cannot practice medicine without those
drugs, is not effective. We must articulate the message with
our patients (and their voters) in mind.
How do we do that? We tell stories. How will the issue at
hand impact an elected representative’s constituents back
home? On top of that, we point out that if he or she can
articulate this agenda across Congress, and if he or she can
bring about a substantial motion within Congress, he or
she will be celebrated. That is a point that resonates well
with our elected officials.
Do Your Homework
When we engage in advocacy, we need to know what
we’re asking for. Before we walk into a Representative’s
or Senator’s office, we should already know what his
or her colleagues have done on this subject, how many
are supporting it, and if there are any concerns with the
requested actions that others have raised.
As expected, the number one issue is likely to be cost.
Elected officials want to know if the action requires a
big increase in federal funding, or if it will translate to
higher insurance payments for patients. We perform a
cost analysis to prepare ourselves for these types of questions. Then, as with the first point, we need to put these
costs into perspective. For instance, if there is a potential
increase in premiums, we are able to tell them that, if this
legislation is enacted, the impact on the premiums will be
minor. If possible, we should show potential downstream
savings, and then support those statements with data
about cost implications.
To fully understand legislation, elected officials need
to know how they will positively affect our patients
and their constituents, as well as any groups of people
who potentially could be adversely affected by it. Being
sensitive to those potential issues and bringing it to the
forefront can help us make a more cogent case to advance
our idea.
Strike While the Iron is Hot!
Timing is everything: When a relevant act is due to be
presented and debated on the House or Senate floor,
contact your Senator or R W&W6V