Keep the Advocacy Going!

Keep the Advocacy Going!

Contact Senators Levin and Stabenow!

Thank you to all who have been reaching out to
members Congress about the importance of extending funding for the
Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV)
program. We have received additional information that now is the time
to increase communications and to be in touch with EVERY U.S. Senator.
We need calls from you and any additional influential leaders you can
recruit to happen now.  Congress must act on the Medicare "doc fix"
bill by March 31.  Because this is "must pass" legislation it is the
best hope for action on MIECHV this year – so it’s critical that
Senators hear from you now.   If you haven’t already contacted Senator
Carl Levin and Senator Debbie Stabenow, please consider doing so
TODAY. Senator Carl Levin(202) 224-6221  Senator Debbie Stabenow(202)
224-4822  When you reach the receptionist please identify yourself as a
constituent and ask to speak to the health legislative assistant.  You
may be asked to leave a voice mail, verbal message or send email, which
is fine. It is important to reach both Senators because important
decisions will be made soon.  Here’s the key message: "I’m asking for
your boss’s support for including the Maternal, Infant and Early
Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program reauthorization as a part of a
health extenders package with the final Medicare Sustainable Growth
Rate package. This evidence based program has been proven to make a
difference for some of the most vulnerable children and their families
in our state.  It will ultimately save taxpayers money through
decreased need for health care, remedial education, and other public
costs, and increased family self-sufficiency. Participation in home
visiting is voluntary – which means parents who participate in the
program are committed to their success. That’s the kind of pro-family
program we should all get behind. Please don’t let funding lapse. Ask
your boss to let leadership know he/she (1) supports MIECHV and (2)
wants it included as a health care extender on SGR."   You can of
course adapt as needed and it always helps to offer to share examples
of success from your local perspective. If you have questions or
feedback from your interactions, please do not hesitate to contact Amy
Zaagman at azaagman@mcmch.org.