If you are making a trip to Washington, D.C., take an hour to stop by Capitol Hill and introduce yourself to your legislators and their staff. They are there representing you and your needs. The ACR will provide you with “leave behind” folders and guidance on a congressional visit. Please contact ACR government affairs staff if you need assistance in scheduling a visit or for ACR Issue Briefs.

Congress returns home periodically throughout the year for “District Work Periods.” This is an excellent opportunity to invite your legislators and/or staff to visit your practice so that they can witness first-hand the complexities of treating patients with rheumatic diseases. The ACR sends e-mails out reminding you of when Congress will be in your area. Look out for that opportunity.

Members of Congress host “Town Hall Meetings” for their constituents when they are in the district. Call your Representative’s local office and ask if and when one will be held. This is a great opportunity for you to meet your legislators and discuss issues that affect your practice, patients and the rheumatology community.

Join your colleagues on the ACR Advocacy List Serve to stay informed on legislative and regulatory issues, and to communicate with your colleagues on these issues. The Advocacy List Serve provides you with an active discussion on urgent “Calls to Action,” bill introduction, congressional and presidential action, media coverage, etc.

If you would like to join the advocacy list-serve open the forum page and then click “Subscribe” for “acradvocacy” to register. Sign up today!

Advocating does not end with one e-mail or phone call from you. To truly make an impact, you must encourage your colleagues to get involved as well. Urge them to visit the legislative action center, call or write to their Members of Congress.

Patient advocacy is essential to conveying the rheumatology perspective to Members of Congress. Patients can sign up to receive “Calls to Action” on important issues by signing up here.

RheumWATCH is a monthly publication that informs ACR/ARHP membership about legislative and regulatory issues, grassroots activities and the ACR's efforts in Washington. It is sent out via e-mail on the 15th of each month.

Previous updates can be found here.

Become an Advocate

The ACR is involved with advocacy efforts related to the rheumatology community. As an ACR and ARHP member, it is your responsibility to advocate for you and your patients.

Visit the Legislative Action Center

capwiz.com/acr

Advocates for Arthritis Conference

» click here to apply

If you have any questions regarding legislation or policy or would like to get involved, please contact:

Aiken Hackett

Director, Government Affairs

404-633-3777 x811

Katie Jones

Senior Specialist, Government Affairs

404-633-3777 x807

RheumPAC

Visit RheumPAC for more information.