Page 8 - HFA_Dateline_2019_Q2_Summer

+ ADVOCACY PROFILE
+
Celebrating Successes
+
A look at recent, state-level advocacy work

Advocacy work at the state level is ever-increasing in importance, as local legislatures are addressing health care issues.
With the 2019 legislative season winding down more across the country, we turned to advocates from across the country
to ask why participating in state advocacy days is important and about the successes achieved by the hard work of individuals
and member organizations.

Texas

“We have worked with Representative Tom Oliverson over the last 2 years,
and he has become a strong supporter of our community as we have
talked about issues that affect our community. In 2017, he came to our state conference
and talked to attendees about the importance of telling our story so it is more than just
an issue — there is a face to the story when it is discussed in the legislature. This year,
Representative Oliverson introduced a bill in the Texas House recognizing March as
Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month in perpetuity in Texas, which passed!”

~Heidi, Texas

Heidi, pictured with Representative Oliverson, and Lone Star Chapter of the National Hemophilia
Foundation Executive Director, Melissa Compton.

South Carolina

“Attending our state advocacy days is important so local legislators can
see, meet, and hear the stories of their bleeding disorders community.
Approaching our state lawmakers to build relationships and share our concerns
with current healthcare issues is the most direct way to have our voice heard. The
highlight of the day for me was right before our Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette made the state
proclamation for March as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, she mentioned, “I’ve
seen you all around the state house today.” At that moment, I realized, we have really
made an impact. If our state leadership didn’t know about bleeding disorders before
that, they do now.”

~Aaron, South Carolina
SC state Representative Ivory Thigpen, with Aaron and his son, Logan

South Carolina

“Asking for a proclamation is a great way to be able to reach out and
connect with your local county or city representative. I think that we are
all wired to help each other out and to feel good when we do, so asking them for this is
an easy way to create a win-win for everybody.”

~Amy, South Carolina

Amy, with her husband Ken at the ceremony proclaiming March as Bleeding Disorders Awareness
month in her county.

8 DATELINE FEDERATION < www.hemophilafed.org