July 10 – 14 is our summer Virtual Lobby Week. The AARC advocacy team has great resources to help members connect with their elected officials and share their opinions regarding the bills affecting respiratory care in the U.S.
Following a successful Advocacy Hill Day in April, we’re excited there are now three telehealth bills in Congress that include respiratory care services and respiratory therapists among the professionals covered to provide telehealth. Two of the bills also include remote patient monitoring for individuals with chronic conditions such as COPD. The next step is to get co-sponsors for these bills.
To accomplish this, we’re kicking off a summer Virtual Lobby Week from July 10 through July 14. Emails will be sent during this week to Members of the House of Representatives only asking for their co-sponsorship of the bills. You can get more information about the bills when you visit AARC Capitol Connection. Here you can also find contact information and sample letters you can adapt and send to your elected officials.
Our lobbyists will meet face-to-face with select Senators to talk about introducing companion legislation.
We will follow-up at the grassroots level to schedule meetings with House members while they are in their home districts during the month of August.
The advocacy team encourages respiratory therapists, RT students, patients, caregivers, physicians and supporters to send emails during Virtual Lobby Week (July 10 – 14), and help spread the word.
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Heather Willden is the Director of Governance and Strategic Initiatives for the AARC where she works with state affiliates as the HOD liaison. She also manages DEI efforts and strategic initiatives. Connect with her about these topics by email, AARConnect or LinkedIn. When she's not working, you can find her podcasting with her husband, exploring new hiking trails, photographing, and spending time with her family.
