Our Advocacy Achievements in 2024

ACHA has worked diligently in 2024 to advance college health and well-being through advocacy, research, and policy. As the year comes to a close, we wanted to highlight some of the major achievements made to support the well-being of the higher education community.

In our efforts to promote policies that align with the ACHA mission, such as the establishment of a College Health Index (CHI), we as an organization have developed stronger connections with key members of the U.S. Congress and the Federal Administration. In February 2024, we held our ACHA Advocacy Committee Hill Day in Washington, DC. The goal of Hill Day was to share information with Congress regarding college health. ACHA met with a total of 18 Congressional offices, which included 5 House Offices and 13 Senate Offices.

This successful event culminated in the celebration of the Capitol Hill Reception for College Health Well-Being Week, where Rep. David Trone (D-MD) and Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) were recognized for their support of the college health community. Through these efforts, Sen. Coons was ready to include instructional language in the Senate draft annual spending bill for the CDC for the agency to develop a CHI. Even though the annual spending bill has yet to be signed into law, ACHA has already been in contact with the CDC to offer our assistance.

In addition, ACHA has developed stronger connections with the Federal Administration by providing touchpoint communications, attending meetings, and establishing more stakeholder contacts. As an example, ACHA provided members of the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with ACHA’s toolkit on addressing sexual and relationship violence, providing federal administrators with resources on the latest best practices, research findings, and practical tools to support our ongoing efforts in addressing and preventing sexual and relationship violence within our community. Touchpoint messages about ACHA’s other published materials and information were shared throughout all of 2024.

While connections were made with key stakeholders in the federal government, it is important to also highlight the connections we have made within our organization. During the 2024 ACHA Annual Meeting held in Atlanta, Georgia, ACHA members were able to learn about ongoing advocacy priorities and make suggestions on what actions we should be advocating for during the rest of the year. Because of these connections, ACHA has begun working closely with ACUHO-I, a professional organization focused on supporting college campus residential staff, to create materials and information aimed at supporting campus health and residential leaders navigate opioid overdose reversal policies. The two organizations held a joint focus group session aimed at learning how members can be supported.

As 2024 comes to an end, ACHA’s unwavering commitment to advancing college health and well-being through advocacy, research, and collaboration shines brightly. From strengthening federal partnerships and engaging with Congress to equipping campuses with critical resources and fostering connections within the higher education community, ACHA has made remarkable strides in addressing the complex challenges facing college health. These achievements lay a strong foundation for continued progress in 2025 and beyond, ensuring that the well-being of students and campus communities remains a top priority. Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient future for higher education.