Events
HLC Regional Directors and HLTeams can coordinate local health forums and other events including special town meetings for key members of Congress and their district staff. Telling lawmakers about how policy affects the delivery of health care is one thing; showing them in person makes it more compelling. Hearing the health care industry perspective from people who work in health care operations is important and is why the HLC Regional Advocacy Program strives to be a resource
for these kinds of activities.

Representative John Tanner (D-TN) visits McKesson’s booth ad HLC’s Health Care
Innovations event on Capitol Hill

Special Programs
The HLC Regional Advocacy Program recognizes and rewards congressional members and health care organizations leading the cause of a patient-centered, quality private health care system. HLC bestows two awards. The Medical Miracles Award recognizes lawmakers who go the extra mile advancing market-based, consumer-centered health care. The Honor Roll for Coverage Award goes to exemplary community programs that broaden access to health coverage.

Public Relations
HLC’s Regional Advocacy Program takes advantage of the fact that HLC’s members are respected in their communities. Thus, HLTeam members meet with editorial boards, brief reporters, conduct press conferences, and engage in other media-related activities. Getting HLTeam members in local and state news coverage helps shape public opinion on key health care issues, giving it a local voice.

Grasstops Mobilization
HLTeam members are called upon at vital stages in the legislative process to let their individual voices be heard, in a coordinated fashion. Grassroots and grasstops advocacy can involve letterwriting, phone calls, or e-mails to their lawmakers in Congress. HLC uses all of these tools to make sure constituent voices are heard.

Congressional
         District Meetings
Elected representatives want to hear from their constituents. HLTeams hold dozens of meetings with members of Congress in their home districts each year.  These face-to-face meetings allow HLTeam members to deliver a consensus message on priority health issues.  District meetings reinforce HLC activities in Washington.