Following a successful September Advocacy Workshop in Washington DC, the Alpha-1 Foundation has gained significant momentum on the advocacy front, doubling the number of co-sponsors for the John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act to 12. As we enter the busy Fall season, we need to continue to mobilize the Alpha-1 patient community to build upon the progress made over the past few months. There are several ways to get involved right now with the Foundation’s advocacy efforts from the comfort of your own home.
How to get involved
Below are ways you can get involved in the Foundation’s advocacy efforts.
Reach out to your state representatives for H.R. 7346 known as the John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act.
Following the workshop, we encourage attendees to reach out to their local and state representatives to set appointments. The goal of these appointments is to engage members’ congressional offices to become familiar with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, hear the stories of Alpha-1 patients’ diagnoses and everyday lives, and support H.R. 7346. For members of the Senate, the ask is to introduce a senate companion bill to the House version already introduced in the Spring.
Request a proclamation in your city and state for Alpha-1 Awareness Month
November is Alpha-1 Awareness Month, and we look to continue the tradition of obtaining local, city, and state proclamations recognizing Alpha-1 Awareness. The Foundation has provided templates and resources for Alpha-1 Awareness Month on a designated page on the Alpha-1 website, including the language for proclamations, which can be found here. By obtaining more proclamations, we can continue to raise the profile of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency across the country and prioritize Alpha-1 awareness and support for research in offices.
Without the involvement of the Alpha-1 community, we cannot move the important mission forward. The Foundation seeks to work alongside patients, physicians, researchers, government, and industry partners to move the needle. The “Time is now” to take the initiative to get involved with raising awareness for Alpha-1. For more ways to generate awareness, visit the Alpha-1 Foundation’s Awareness Month page here.
