Advocating for HealthCatherine Thomasson, MD

History of Health Advocacy

Medicine is a social science, and politics nothing but

medicine on a grand scale.

Physicians are the natural attorneys of the poor, and social problems fall to a large extent within their

jurisdiction.

- R. Virchow, Die Medicinische Reform, 1848

Epidemic Typhus

Epidemics with famine

Poor living conditions

Impacts to Health

Medical Care 10%

Environment Clean air Clean water

Behavior/Genetics exercise, drugs

Social Determinants Adequate Food Socioeconomic status Freedom from war Safe housing

What is advocacy?

Drawing a community’s attention to an important issue, and directing decision makers toward a solution

Health Professionals as Natural Advocates

Objective and trusted

Compassion with a desire to improve health

Lawmakers and the public need “translators” of complicated, scientific issues

Motivation

Intellectual stimulation

Respect in the community

Care for the poor-justice value

Better health care for all

How do you “MAKE” someone care about

Climate change?

Motivating Others: Understanding Self-Interest

Latin: inter-esse to be among

Self-interest is self among others Individual Needs: food, housing, wages, education, Social needs: friends, feeling useful, need for respect,

prideUS is a scientific leader and should lead on climate

Class interest/Social Justice: is self-interest generalized—low income impacts of electricity costs or downwind pollution from coal plants

Generational-concern for children or grandchildrenReligious beliefs: Environmental stewardship of the

earth and all people.

Organizing is the process of finding out what people want as individuals

and then helping them find collective ways to get it.

Other ways to be an Advocate as a Student

Join PSR/AMSA

Take action online

• Use social media- blog posts

- Twitter

- Facebook

- YouTube Re-share a PSR Facebook

topic

Questions about why we organize?

Public health impacted by Climate Change

The Forms of Community Organizing

Accepts Existing Power relationships

Challenges Existing Power Relationship

Direct servic

e

Self-help

Education Advocacy

Create cooling stations to prevent death during heat waves.

The Forms of Community Organizing

Accepts Existing Power relationships

Challenges Existing Power Relationship

Direct servic

e

Self-help

Education

Advocacy

Solar cooperative; or series of cisterns

The Forms of Community Organizing

Accepts Existing Power relationships

Challenges Existing Power Relationship

Direct servic

e

Education

Self-help

Advocacy

The Forms of Community Organizing

Accepts Existing Power relationships

Challenges Existing Power Relationship

Direct servic

e

Advocacy

Self-help

Education

What is advocacy?

Drawing a community’s attention to an important issue, and directing decision makers toward a solution

Install on-site renewable energy

Purchase energy efficient products

Reduce “standby” energy use

Buy green power

Holy Redeemer Medical Center Philadelphia has implemented composting programs, including one for fryer grease.

Composted food waste from the hospital is used as fertilizer at two local farms. Those farms then supply the hospital kitchen with fresh, local produce.

[GGHC Food Services (FS) FS Credit 6 –

Food Donation and Waste Reduction]

Questions about

Strategy Chart

Goals Assets Constituents

Targets Tactics

Long-term $$ Impacted Provider of solution

Actions pressuring target

Short-term People Opponents Secondary target

Goals to address Climate Change

Result in real improvement in people’s lives

Winnable

Be worthwhile

Understandable

Builds for future wins

What goal or issue would you choose to provide a

solution to address climate change?

What are your Assets?How many people in your group?

What is your budget?

How much time do you have?

Do you have a large group to recruit form?

You may wish to become part of a larger group.

Constituents: Allies & Opponents

Constituent: Who also cares about this issue?DeanPSRAMSA

OpponentsDeanCompeting organizations?

Who is your Target?Decision-maker

Elected officialDean?

Always a person/not an institution.

If you can’t reach the decision-maker who can influence them?

What are your Tactics?Meeting/Negotiations

Public hearings

Writing for change: LTE/Op-Ed

Media Events

Educational forum

Other ways to be an Advocate as a Student

Join PSR/AMSA

Take action online

• Use social media- blog posts

- Twitter

- Facebook

- YouTube Re-share a PSR Facebook

topic

More advocacy tactics Meetings

- with lawmakers in their offices as a constituent

- presentations to community groups, trade groups

- Grand Rounds

- with agency staff (EPA, Housing Authority)

- boards of directors of companies, institutions

• Calls to legislators

• Joining the Green Team at your healthcare facility

• Radio and television interviews

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world; indeed it’s

the only thing that ever has!”

 

MARGARET MEADE