ABC’s of Advocacy

ABC’s of Advocacy

We all have a valuable role to play as health care reformers and advocates. How can you get started?

• Educate yourself about the issues you care about; if you are interested in health care reform:
  • Begin by learning more about the Affordable Care Act (ACA);
  • Then explore what is going on with Maryland State Reform and Federal Reform;
  • Build your understanding of ways that health care reform can advance health equity, and stay current with other useful reports and articles. 
  • Be aware of the various Maryland State Agencies that contribute to health care reform policy-making, including:
    • Attorney General – Health Education and Advocacy Unit
    • Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
    • Maryland Health Benefit Exchange
    • Maryland Health Connection
    • Maryland Insurance Administration
    • Medicaid

• Join with others to increase your effectiveness, share your ideas and stay informed of the current policies and issues through alerts and social media: 
  • Sign up to receive our newsletters and alerts;
  • Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest

• Speak Out:
  • Contact your elected officials. They would appreciate hearing from you!
    • Learn how to write a letter to your elected officials
    • Prepare to meet with your legislators with our Tips for an effective meeting
  • The media is important to spread your message.  Check out our Tips for Media Outreach.
    • Write a Letter to the Editor to your local paper
    • Write an Op-Ed to your local paper
• Get others involved as health care reformers, including your friends, family and community at large;
• Share Your Health Care Story with us;
• Invite the Coalition to an event;
• Join us on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest