Oral

Improving public health outcomes often requires sound policy and adequate resources. How do public health workers, students, and faculty influence policy makers? Three public health fellows from the U.S. Senate will identify strategies and procedures to improve relationships and public health messages. Public health “competes” with all other industries and lobbyists when seeking attention and support from their elected officials for public health needs. Effective advocates understand the process, the timing and the key individuals most helpful for crafting and supporting sound federal public health policy. All public health workers have an important role to play, and public health leaders have an elevated responsibility to effectively advocate. We will review the legislative cycle of budgets, authorization and appropriation; describe how committees and members’ personal offices create opportunities and barriers; and provide advice about how students, faculty, and public health workers and leaders can communicate and build relationships with congressional staff.

Session Objectives: At the end of this session participants will be able to: 1. Describe three opportunities for participating in the federal legislative cycle to promote health education; 2. Identify three major public health proposals currently under consideration by Congress; 3. List three ways in which public health advocates can influence health policy.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)