Advocacy in Healthcare: How Professionals Can Influence Change at Every Level

As healthcare professionals, we have unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare system. Our voices are essential in shaping policies that improve care, access, and equity. Advocacy can be intimidating and overwhelming, especially when many of us are juggling different priorities in our daily lives.  

Advocacy should be part of our jobs, even at the smallest levels, so that we can ensure the best care for our patients, improve access to our clinics, and ensure that the livelihood of smaller groups continues.  

Local Level Advocacy 

Your connection to the local community gives you a strong platform for advocacy. For many of us who have  

1. Participate in Town Hall Meetings: Use your professional experience to ask informed questions and provide insights at town halls hosted by local officials. Your perspective can highlight real-world healthcare challenges that are relevant to your community.  

2. Join Local Health Coalitions: Many communities have health-focused coalitions. By joining, you can contribute your clinical or operational knowledge to discussions and initiatives. 

3. Collaborate with Local Organizations: Volunteer or partner with local hospitals, clinics, or nonprofits that align with your advocacy goals. Many have established advocacy efforts that can benefit from your expertise. If there isn’t a local group in your community, start one! Partner with other healthcare professionals in the area and make your voice heard.  

4. Educate the Public: Host community workshops or health fairs to share knowledge on healthcare issues. Empowering the community with accurate information can amplify your advocacy efforts. 

5. Leverage Your Connections and Patients: When patients are upset or frustrated about challenges in the healthcare system, take the time to discuss and educate them on actions they can take to be advocates in the community and for themselves. Educate your staff on how to have similar conversations when patients are upset by prior-authorizations, step therapies, and other common healthcare woes.  

State Level Advocacy 

State-level policies often directly impact your practice and patients. Here are some ways to get involved: 

1. Engage with State Legislators: Reach out to your state representatives and share stories from your practice to illustrate the impact of healthcare legislation. Be prepared to offer solutions. 

2. Attend Advocacy Days: Many professional organizations host state advocacy days, allowing you to meet lawmakers and discuss healthcare issues. Your professional credibility adds weight to these conversations.  

3. Leverage Professional Associations: Join advocacy committees (like the AAOE Advocacy Council) within your professional associations. These groups often offer training and coordinated efforts to engage state legislators effectively. Associations can amplify your voice and drive changes!  

4. Promote Petitions: Support petitions related to healthcare issues and use your professional network to gather more signatures. Sharing these initiatives can help drive policy changes. 

Federal Level Advocacy 

Your insights can also influence national healthcare policies. Here’s how to make an impact: 

1. Communicate with Members of Congress: Share your experiences and patient stories with U.S. Senators and Representatives. They rely on real-world examples to understand healthcare policy implications. 

2. Utilize Social Media: Follow and engage with your representatives on social media. Share your professional insights on healthcare issues to raise awareness and promote evidence-based policies. 

3. Partner with National Advocacy Organizations: Join national healthcare organizations that focus on advocacy. These groups often provide action alerts, campaigns, and resources to support your efforts. 

4. Attend Federal Hearings: Monitor congressional hearings on healthcare topics and consider attending or submitting written comments. Your professional knowledge can help shape federal discussions. 

Tips for Effective Advocacy 

No matter where you choose to focus your efforts, these strategies can enhance your impact: 

• Stay Current: Keep up with healthcare policy changes and industry trends that affect your practice and patients. 

• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain relationships with policymakers and fellow advocates to strengthen your advocacy network. 

• Be Consistent: Advocacy is an ongoing process. Stay engaged even when progress seems slow. 

• Share Real Stories: Policymakers often respond more strongly to stories about patients and providers than to statistics alone. Share your experiences to make issues more relatable. 

Healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change in the healthcare system. By engaging in advocacy at local, state, and federal levels, you can ensure that policies reflect the realities of patient care. Start small, stay committed, and watch your efforts contribute to a healthier future for all.