Twenty independent lung health organizations
participated in the second annual United for Lung
Health - Federal Advocacy Days in Washington D.C.
The meetings and
reception gave advocates the opportunity to share
experiences on Capitol Hill, policies impacting
their state and tactics to mobilize patients to
advance our mission. Partner organizations and
lawmakers alike appreciate the “big tent” approach
to using a collective voice when addressing lung
health issues.
Meetings with members
of Congress and their staff have resulted in
additional co-sponsorships and support for our
initiatives. We have already received requests from
Congressional staffs regarding media opportunities,
utilizing our expertise on chronic disease issues
and future programming opportunities.
It was an exciting
opportunity to use our collective voice to educate
our elected officials about lung disease from the
patient’s perspective. By uniting advocates from
across the country, we hope to make a difference in
the lives of patients living with lung disease and
offer hope for new funding that can lead to improved
treatment and more successful outcomes.