Nurses can and do play an active role in health policy to improve the health of

Nurses can and do play an active role in health policy to improve the health of our clients, families, and communities. One way to get involved with health policy is through engaging with elected leaders (county, state, federal) to educate and inform on issues that impact health. While some of our elected leaders do have health care backgrounds, many do not – leaving nurses in a unique position to advocate on health care issues. For this discussion, you will become involved with health policy by writing a one-page letter to your legislative representative.
Discussion Preparation
Review the required readings and explorations.
Reference page 270-271 in your Schoon et al. textbook to get an idea of civic engagement.
Using the following websites to help you publish your letter, select an issue, or see sample letters:
ANA Advocacy Toolkit
(Links to an external site.)
Tips for Writing to your Elected Official
(Links to an external site.)
Identify your state or federal legislative representative in which you wish to address a health policy issue.
Review the discussion rubric and requirements.
Discussion Requirements
Reflect on one state or federal health policy topic, current issue, or social advocacy stance that impacts you, your community, or your clinical community.
You can identify a current topic, proposed issue or an existing policy. You only need to choose one topic.
A few examples: air quality, smoking cessation, gun violence, expansion of Affordable Care Act, etc.
Write a 1-page letter (250-500 words) to your legislative representative in support or against the proposed/existing health policy.
Support your argument with data points and at least two references.
https://ana.aristotle.com/SitePages/toolkit.aspx
https://www.apa.org/advocacy/guide/letter-email