Additionally, Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) delivered a keynote address at the advocacy welcome dinner, highlighting the importance of providing your message to Congress, educating them on issues affecting rheumatology professionals and patients, and the value of established relationships with legislators.
Advocates for Arthritis brings rheumatology health professionals and patients together to educate lawmakers on the importance of the rheumatology subspecialty and the impact arthritis and rheumatic diseases have on quality of life. “It is not only important to keep these issues in front of our legislators, but this event empowers people who often feel as though they have lost large chunks of their independence,” explains patient advocate Peggy Storck. “Advocates for Arthritis gives us a voice. As patients, we discussed how much this means to us.”
RheumPAC Supports Senator Blanche Lincoln
RheumPAC is gearing up to back the supporters of rheumatology in their 2010 elections and has provided Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) support for her upcoming election.
Sen. Lincoln is the lead sponsor of the Medicare Fracture Prevention and Osteoporosis Testing Act (H.R.1894/S.769), and she the primary reason that this provision was included in the final healthcare reform package. She is a true champion for the rheumatology community.
Interested in Advocating on Capitol Hill?
The next Advocates for Arthritis Fly-in will be held September 20–21 in Washington, D.C. The ACR is looking for passionate ACR and ARHP members as well as patient advocates to educate Congress on the issues affecting rheumatology professionals and patients. To learn more about Advocates for Arthritis, e-mail [email protected].
As the voluntary political action committee of the ACR, RheumPAC works to support and elect pro-rheumatology candidates. RheumPAC is nonpartisan and gives to candidates in all political parties. A candidate’s party affiliation is not taken into account when determining a contribution. The primary criteria used to determine RheumPAC support for a member of Congress are:
- The candidate supports rheumatology related issues; and
- The candidate holds a leadership position or key committee assignment; or
- The candidate was recommended by an ACR or ARHP member.
Members can make recommendations for RheumPAC support by visiting www.rheumatology.org/advocacy.
RheumPAC is the only political action committee that directly represents the interests of rheumatology professionals on Capitol Hill. Visit www.rheumatology.org/advocacy or contact Katie Jones at [email protected] for more information.
RheumPAC Establishes New Membership Tiers
RheumPAC has established new membership tiers, which are listed below. These tiers of membership are how RheumPAC members will be identified in the RheumPAC annual report.