225331 Health Care Reform Activism: Lessons from a Disability Perpective

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 : 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM

Tammy Pilisuk, MPH , Immunization Branch, CA Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA
     
The National Multiple Scerosis Society sought to enter the health care reform debate early by developing principles that addressed key elements for people with disabilities and chronic conditions. The "principles" document was developed by NMSS representatives from across the US and was used as a centerpiece in advocacy efforts. Subsequent trainings helped lay advocates educate themselves and peers, as well as using certain core issues to communicate with Congressional members on what aspects of health care reform were important for them, their families and the greater disability commmunity. Tactics included webinars, legislative training and web-based advocacy.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education

Learning Objectives:
1. List principles used by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to promote health care reform 2. Differentiate key health reform issues for disability constituents 3. Identify core strategies used to mobilize disability activists

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Disability Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I serve on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Federal Activism Council, I championed the development of the NMSS Principles of Health Care Reform and have worked with NMSS members to advocate for health care reform.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4087.2: Community Health Activism Post Health Care Reform Efforts