Health Initiatives in the Era of Healthcare Reform  Taking Health into Our Own Hands: Working the “Iron Triangle”

Healthcare Costs represent an increasing % of GDP - $650B more for Cancer Treatment

National Healthcare Quality Report “Preventive healthcare lags significantly behind other gains in healthcare.” Access to care and information varied widely between racial/ethnic groups and by socio-economic status Source: “Preventive healthcare lags significantly behind other gains in healthcare.” Access to care and information varied widely between racial/ethnic groups and by socio-economic status Source:

American Cancer Society Disparity Study Cancer patients with private insurance are much more likely to be diagnosed early, increasing their long-term survival Those uninsured patients or those with Government insurance are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage disease at first treatment Cancer patients with private insurance are much more likely to be diagnosed early, increasing their long-term survival Those uninsured patients or those with Government insurance are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage disease at first treatment

The “Iron Triangle”  Building Health Empowerment  Community/Patient Interest Groups  Government enabling agencies  Congress  Building Health Empowerment  Community/Patient Interest Groups  Government enabling agencies  Congress

The Mandate  “Health is an indirect measure of a society’s collective democracy. ”  Rudolf Virchow  “Health is an indirect measure of a society’s collective democracy. ”  Rudolf Virchow

Prostate Cancer Advocacy Carol Christner Director, Government Relations Karmanos Cancer Institute

What is Advocacy? Advocacy is the action of supporting a cause or proposal. It can be political, as in advocating for a specific piece of legislation. It can be social and intellectual, as in speaking out on behalf of those without a voice.

How to Advocate Define the problem: –Prostate cancer incidence and survivor rates are significantly higher for African Americans. Find an answer: –Funds for research, education, awareness outreach, and early detection. Identify the target: –House Resolution 313 introduced by Congressman Gregory Meeks (NY-6).

Communicate Your Message Know the facts. Do your homework on the issue you wish to discuss. Review your legislators voting record and activities on similar issues. Know how your issue affects your legislators constituency. Every issue has at least two sides. Be prepared to respond to the opposing viewpoint.

How a Bill Becomes A Law (in the beginning) A member of Congress sponsors a bill regarding an issue they are concerned with. The bill is introduced in the House or Senate. The bill is assigned to committee. The committee chooses whether or not to take action on the bill.

Who to Contact Senator Carl Levin , Senator Debbie Stabenow , Congressman Hansen Clarke , Michigan Senator Coleman Young II , Michigan Representative Maureen Stapleton , Mayor Dave Bing ,