I have found legislators and their staff very receptive to clinical and client stories of how legislation influences their constituents.
It is a privilege to advocate for those most in need. I am grateful to have the opportunity to gain a working understanding of the legislative process with other health professionals and clients. This opportunity has allowed me to view legislation beyond my scope of practice to address health disparities comprehensively. I owe a special thank you to many in the ACR and the Government Affairs Committee who support advocacy training and the fly-in, and work behind the scenes to support legislation to improve healthcare outcomes.
Get Involved
If you can relate to these stories and want to get involved too, there is always room for new volunteers. You can volunteer to serve on the Government Affairs Committee or another ACR/ARP committee. If that sounds overwhelming, you can still get involved in lobbying for issues important to you by contacting both state and federal legislators as you have time. The ACR makes this easy. You can also get involved in your state or local rheumatology society or donate to RheumPAC to really stretch your advocacy efforts.
Andre C. Smith is a regional operations manager for PanCare of Florida Inc., Panama City Beach. He started in rheumatology in 2010 in a 1,200 square foot medical suite with one provider and two exam rooms, which grew into an 8,000 square foot facility with an 18-chair infusion suite. He served on the National Organization of Rheumatology Management Board of Directors for five years, as well as the ARP Practice Committee, and the British Society for Rheumatology. He currently serves on the ACR Government Affairs Committee.
Brenda Frie, EdD, OTR/L, CHT, is currently employed by M Health Fairview Rehabilitation Services, Minnesota, working in hand rehabilitation on a casual basis. In 2020, she retired from teaching at St. Catherine University, St. Paul, Minn. Her involvement in rheumatology began while she was working with hand therapy clients and later evolved to working with students in the community developing self-management programming for those living with chronic disease. For ARP, she has served on the E-Learning Committee, co-hosted the ACR Convergence Interprofessional Community Hub and currently serves on the Government Affairs Committee.
