Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #121190

Cheryl A. Ferguson, MPH, Policy Matters, 1177 Laurel Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122, 505-856-1403, Cheryl@nmpolicymatters.com, Barak Wolff, MPH, Consultant, 28 Harriets Road, Santa Fe, NM 87506, and Lydia Pendley, Executive Director, New Mexico Public Health Association, 24 Loma Serena, Santa Fe, NM 87506.

Problem: Typically New Mexico's health advocates enter the legislative session with little knowledge of other organizations' legislative issues. This represents a missed opportunity to share information and may result in less cohesive support for important legislative goals. Methods: The New Mexico Public Health Association (NMPHA) hosted a half-day Forum to facilitate sharing of legislative interests among organizations working on health-related issues. A wide array of organizations was invited to share their top legislative priorities for the 2005 Legislative Session. Prior to the event, organizations completed a legislative priority form. Participants were also invited to discuss their top legislative priorities during three sessions divided according to NMPHA's priority areas: universal access to health care; environmental health and justice; and social determinants of health. Results: The event drew more than 100 attendees from across the state and approximately 25 legislative initiatives were presented. A booklet compiling key information on 33 proposed legislative issues was presented to all attendees. This information was later provided to legislative and agency staff for their use in bill analysis. Evaluations were positive – participants enjoyed the opportunity to network and share information. A follow-up Forum was held in late spring and plans are underway for a 2nd annual Forum in November 2005. Conclusion: It is critical for like-minded advocates to share information and plans for legislative action. Through the simple sharing of information, collaborations can thrive and greater legislative success can be achieved. Convening such a “marketplace of ideas” is a natural function for APHA affiliates.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to appreciate the importance of interaction among health policy organizations and advocates and to develop a similar forum in their own state/community.

Keywords: Advocacy, Legislative

Related Web page: www.nmpha.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.