Grassroots Volunteers Inspire Action

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association leveled up its advocacy program in 2022 with new opportunities for grassroots engagement, including a 10-member Advocacy Committee. The Advocacy Committee includes people with pulmonary hypertension and health care professionals. The committee provides direction on new ways to increase grassroots involvement and build skills for facilitating legislative meetings.

In recognition of World PH Day in May, four groups of advocates led by members of the Advocacy Committee met with congressional offices.

Bolstered by a successful advocacy challenge during the PHA 2022 Conference, PH advocates sent more than 1,600 messages to their legislators, the most since 2017.

PHA also rekindled its Advocacy August campaign, which connected advocates with congressional offices online and in person.

Advocates urged members of Congress to support legislation to decrease barriers to treatment access and protect charitable assistance, and Congress listened. The Safe Step Act received nearly 200 co-sponsorships by the end of the year, and the Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act gained momentum in the House of Representatives.

PHA also focused on improving access to supplemental oxygen, a critical issue for many people with PH. The groundwork laid in 2022 will lend strength to PHA’s advocacy efforts in coming years to ensure accessible, affordable treatment for people with PH.