Policy & Advocacy Overview

Policy & Advocacy Overview

Engaging in advocacy ensures that people are able to have their voices heard in the legislative process. Advocacy is a process of supporting and enabling people to express their views and concerns, access information, and defend their rights. Heavily dependent on federal funding, FQHCs must be active in educating and informing policymakers about the critical role they play in our nation's healthcare system. Through advocacy, we remind our lawmakers that FQHCs are important to the health and wellbeing of our citizens. Not only do they make sense for Louisiana's physical well-being, but they also serve as important economic engines for our local communities.

When engaging in advocacy, it is important to remember that
"if you're not at the table, you're on the menu!"

How Can You Get Involved?

NACHC's Policy and Issues Forum (P&I)

The Policy & Issues Forum is held annually in Washington D.C. It serves as a perfect forum for health center advocates from across the country to gather, exchange ideas, and meet with legislators to discuss issues important to FQHCs. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from government officials, some of our nation's leading healthcare experts, and peers from across the country. Topics typically include the latest state-level trends, emerging regulatory policies and proposals that will affect healthcare delivery and spending, Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement, workforce, and technology. We strongly encourage you to participate in this event!

LPCA's Annual Legislative Day

Every year, Louisiana's Community Health Centers gather at the State Capitol in Baton Rouge for our Annual Legislative Day. FQHC advocates get the opportunity to meet with their state legislators and emphasize the important role they play in their communities.

Stay tuned for information on LPCA's Annual Legislative Day 2023!

LPCA's Advocacy Branch Committee

LPCA's Advocacy Branch Committee allows patients, FQHC staff, and Board Members the opportunity to convene and strategize around LPCA's legislative activities and grassroots efforts. With their input, LPCA can better focus its efforts on the most effective ways to engage in advocacy. These committee members stand ready to recruit their local health centers when necessary for a call to action or other urgent legislative priority.

Advocacy Branch conference calls take place on the first Tuesday of every month. You are invited to participate.