Advocacy in Action

I traveled to D.C. recently, worried about the impacts the proposed health bill in the Senate would have on those with CHD. Attending CHD Advocacy Day with ACHA over the past decade (like earlier this year, pictured) has given me training and guidance from ACHA staff on advocating with our legislators.

This time was a little different; I was going alone with no appointments, but felt compelled to do all I could to have my concerns heard. I delivered a letter to my Senators’ offices, and was able to speak with their aides.  

I had two big takeaways from this: First, the Senate and House office buildings belong to all of us. It is awe-inspiring each time I go there, knowing that as U.S. citizens, we are free to enter these buildings, we are free to go to our Legislators' offices to deliver our letters, to voice our concerns, and to thank them for actions that make a positive difference for us.

And second, our voices and our stories matter. We should do all we can to have those who represent us in D.C. hear them. ACHA pays close attention to legislation in both houses that will affect the CHD community, and when our staff sends action alert emails to us, know that our actions do count. Though it was an honor to go to D.C., our phone calls, our emails, and our visits to District offices year round are just as important.