Take Advocacy Action Using FAST!
When action needs to be taken on a particular issue, members can use the ACHA online Federal Advocacy Support Tool (FAST). With just the entry of a zip code, FAST allows ACHA members to communicate with their legislators quickly and easily.
ACHA has asked members to take action on the following issues:
- ACHA Leadership concerned about “Young Invincible” Health Insurance Policy Option
Tell the Senate Finance Committee that America's college students cannot afford a "young invincible" benefit option. - 'To amend the Public Health Service Act to improve mental and behavioral health services on college campuses'
Ask your US Representative to cosponsor HR 1704, or thank him/her for already doing so! - 'A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve mental and behavioral health services on college campuses'
Ask your US Senators to cosponsor S 682, or thank them for already doing so!
Other Advocacy Tools
www.ombwatch.org — OMB Watch scrutinizes and disseminates information on the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which is responsible for the budget, regulation, information collection, proposed legislation, and testimony by agencies, etc. The site has five categories — Federal Budget, Regulation, Non-Profit Issues, Right to Know, and Take Action — and provides viewers with publications, forums, a file library, and email lists.
Thomas.loc.gov/ — The U.S. Library of Congress THOMAS website provides Federal legislative information. The site's categories include Links, Legislation, Congressional Records, and Committee Information. This is a good source for finding your elected representatives, committee membership, and progress on specific bills, by topic.
www.healtheducationadvocate.org — Health Education Advocate's sole purpose is to be the central, timely source of advocacy information related to health education and health promotion. The site provides factsheets on health topics, advocacy strategies and guidelines, action alerts on current legislation, sample letters, resources, and other information. (Sometimes their advocacy priorities coincide with ACHA's.)
Other Health Advocacy Organizations
www.apha.org/advocacy/ — The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the oldest, largest public health organization. Their legislative page provides an information center, legislative updates, policy statements, and direction for taking action. (Sometimes their advocacy priorities coincide with ACHA's.)
www.siecus.org — The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) is a national, nonprofit organization that develops, collects, and disseminates information, promotes comprehensive education about sexuality, and advocates the right of individuals to make responsible sexual choices. The site supplies a menu of options, including reports on legislation, controversy, and policy; education, advocacy, and programs; and coalitions, commissions, and networks.
www.ashastd.org/about/about_advocacy.cfm — The American Social Health Association (ASHA) is the nation's authority on sexually transmitted diseases. AHSA serves as a resource to health care providers, patients, educators, and policy makers. The association's legislative page includes information on how to advocate and lobby, as well as position statements, current legislation, strategies, and links.
www.arhp.org/Policy-and-Advocacy — The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP) serves as an information and education resource on the full range of reproductive health issues. ARHP's policy page contains legislative information, positions, factsheets, and links.
