Grassroots Update: Levels and Levers
From the President to your local fire department, there are many levels of government. There’s one commonality between them that you need to know: They can all be leveraged to benefit your staff and residents. Here are several government partners that impact your work, and an advocacy tip for each from the WHCA team.
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Local/Municipal Elected Leaders |
These are some of the most accessible people in Government, and they collaborate with state-level leaders. Attend community events, get involved with local political campaigns, and invite local leaders to visit your facility! Inviting these leaders to your facility can be an excellent marketing tool, too. People who need long term care services typically prefer to remain in their local community, and local leaders will share the fact that they have an assisted living nearby. |
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Local/Municipal Emergency Responders |
Local first responders share many of your priorities, like preventing emergency hospital transport and alleviating homelessness. Think about where your interests overlap, and emphasize those areas in your conversations and advocacy. Start by meeting with emergency medical leadership when there is not a crisis at hand; share your facility’s philosophy of care, staffing strategies, and disaster/emergency plans. This way, when an emergency does occur in the area, your facility staff and the local emergency medical team have points of contact. |
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State Lawmakers |
State legislators direct Medicaid funding and influential policies – they are the most important group to advocate with. By inviting state lawmakers into your facility, not only are you sharing the important services you offer to the community, but your residents can engage with the lawmaker as constituents. Offering a “reality check” to state lawmakers on the current struggles and successes of the long-term care spectrum can benefit the profession as a whole. |
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State Agencies |
Maximize opportunities to build positive relationships with surveyors and other agency staff. Consider attending open meetings where state agencies will be present, so trusting relationships can develop through shared focus. |
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State Governor |
Each year, the Governor is the first of three entities to release a budget proposal (in mid-December), so we like to come strong out of the gate with email campaigns supporting funding for LTC priorities. |
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Federal Lawmakers |
Staff connections are the key to achieving change with your congresspeople. Ask for a meeting with your legislators’ healthcare staff or invite them out to your facility. Members of Congress recognize the importance of long-term care services, and personally seeing the staff-resident interactions can help alleviate overarching stigma associated with the profession. Bonus – the residents in your building are constituents. |
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Federal Agencies |
Federal regulations can wreak havoc on Washington’s unique operating environment – see CMS’ proposed minimum staffing mandate. Driving high volumes of comments on proposed regulations is crucial to making our voice heard. |
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