Most of our advocacy is directed toward the legislative branch of federal, state and local units of governments. Public sector advocacy also may require activity in the executive and judicial branches of government. The Alpha-1 Association s public policy advocacy relates to medical research, improved health care, access to care, health insurance and genetic and medical privacy issues. All of this advocacy activity is leveraged that is, successful resolution of a single advocacy matter helps many people with Alpha-1, and perhaps many more with other genetic disorders, chronic illnesses and disabilities.
Advocacy is an important mission element.
There are many public policies and programs that greatly influence the access to health care and health insurance, employment and personal health of people with Alpha-1. These committed people have shown that they can acquire considerable expertise in important public policy issues. People with Alpha-1 and their families can be extremely persuasive in communicating their views, because they speak with firsthand knowledge of the effects of particular policies on the chronically ill, organ transplant issues and those individuals in families identified to have genetic disorders. The Alpha-1 Association s membership can be tapped for advocacy action. The Alpha-1 Association is on the side of right and good in trying to help and protect people who are vulnerable to policy mistakes.