Legislative Appreciation Day
Health centers have a proud tradition of support from both sides of the political aisle. Bipartisan support continues to be beneficial for advocacy and policy priorities. Earlier this year, Congress passed a bipartisan budget deal that included $7.8 billion dollars in federal grant funding for the Community Health Center program. Legislative support on both sides is not limited to federal level, state and local support for health centers are also integral to their success. One way to enhance National Health Center Week is to engage legislators and legislative staff. Whether it’s your Congressional delegation, your state legislators or your county/local officials, or their staff, NHCW provides an excellent opportunity to show your appreciation for policymakers at your health center.
Consider the following event ideas:
- Health Center Tours with Legislators or Legislative staff – Invite legislators and/or staff to come for a tour of the Health Center to see firsthand all the good work you and the health center team are doing to care for the community.
- Awards Events with Elected Officials or Staff – whether you present an award to your elected official(s) recognizing their support, or you ask them to present an award to a deserving team member at the health center, awards and recognition are always a great way to connect with policymakers.
- Submit a Letter to the Editor (LTE) or Opinion Editorial to Your Local Media Outlet – use the NHCW media templates to submit an LTE or OpEd addressing your policymakers and/or their staff, expressing appreciation and/or explaining the reason why their continued support is so important for the health center and the patients you serve.
- Recognize your legislative contacts. Templates coming soon.
