Health Care Professionals: Become an Advocate for Public Health

Health care professionals are integral to advocating for health care system improvements. In their role as health care advocates, they work to boost awareness, influence public policy and its implementation, promote access to health education, and take measures to encourage better health outcomes for individuals and communities at large.

We spoke with Christopher Gallucci, DHSc, academic department chair for the public health and health education programs in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global, to get his thoughts on the importance of advocacy in health care.

Types of Health Care Advocacy

According to Gallucci, there are two main types of health care advocacy: advocacy at the patient level and advocacy at the system level.

At the patient level, health care advocates help people get the care they need and guide them in navigating the health care system.

Advocacy at the system level, which is where health care professionals can get involved, takes a broader approach. It affects more than the care that one person may receive.

“Health care advocacy at the system level is a process to elicit organizational, social, or legislative change in a way that would help eliminate health disparities,” says Gallucci. “Advocacy is important because it allows us to use our collective voices to support worthwhile causes and social justice on a large scale. It enables us to make a difference on a system—not just an individual—level.”

How Health Care Professionals Can Get Involved in Advocacy

Here are five ways health care professionals can become advocates for public health issues and policies:

1. Connect With Policymakers at State and Local Levels

Look for ways to participate in policy dialogue; you may be able to bring insights from your role as a health care professional to the table. Connecting with policymakers can give you an important voice, and it’s a simple yet effective way to get involved.

“Use social media or email to draw the attention of the public, especially lawmakers and politicians, toward specific health messaging,” says Gallucci. “Staff members of politicians are assigned to monitor social media and email inboxes because public comments and trends are useful in shaping political platforms. You can also write a letter or call your congressman and have your colleagues do the same. Deliver the same message consistently.”

In-person meetings with legislators can also be a valuable way to advocate for patients and help improve the health care system. You can request a meeting with your local legislator, and then use that time to share your thoughts.

“When it comes to face-to-face meetings, preparation is key,” Gallucci explains. “You want to be friendly and polite; establish a connection early on. Show your legislator how many of their constituents are affected, and show the value in acting. Be specific and factual but also brief and concise. Be ready to ask them to do that specific thing you want them to do.”

2. Connect With Local Health Departments, Nonprofit Hospitals, and Local Community Organizations

There are plenty of opportunities in your community, too. Local agencies would likely welcome your contributions to a discussion around a health care issue facing the community.

You may also want to join the board of directors or volunteer at a nearby nonprofit hospital or local community organization. Doing so is a great way to stay informed about health care issues and updates and collaborate with others who want to make a difference in the community.

3. Explore a Career Focused on Advocacy

Several professional organizations and associations, along with health care companies offer advocacy-based career opportunities for health care professionals. Seeking a career in health care advocacy can put you at the forefront of innovative decision-making, communication with lawmakers, and the pursuit of policies that have a significant impact on patients and health care providers. Advocacy at this level strives to improve health care outcomes, address public health concerns, and ensure that the needs of medical professionals are met.

4. Read Peer-Reviewed Journals and Keep Up With Current News

Focus on reading news from multiple sources to be aware of the current health care issues affecting your community, the country, and the world. “There are the traditional venues, such as the news, peer-reviewed journals, or information shared by organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” says Gallucci. “Another great way to stay informed is to network with others in the community.”

5. Use Social Media

Social media can also be an excellent way to monitor health care advocacy issues and the public response to those issues. Reading public comments on social media can help you identify the key talking points surrounding issues. You can also get involved by posting comments and responses and sharing the issues with your network.

Health Care Advocacy for the Future

Health care advocacy will continue to shape the future of the health care system, and health care professionals will play an important role in that advocacy. Becoming a health care professional and advocate is a powerful way to improve the health care system and ensure patients get the care they need.

Ready to take the next step in your health care career? Apply now or reach out to learn more about the online health sciences degree programs at Purdue Global.