advocating for health catherine thomasson, md. history of health advocacy medicine is a social...
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Advocating for HealthCatherine Thomasson, MD
History of Health Advocacy
Medicine is a social science, and politics nothing but
medicine on a grand scale.
Physicians are the natural attorneys of the poor, and social problems fall to a large extent within their
jurisdiction.
- R. Virchow, Die Medicinische Reform, 1848
Epidemic Typhus
Epidemics with famine
Poor living conditions
Impacts to Health
Medical Care 10%
Environment Clean air Clean water
Behavior/Genetics exercise, drugs
Social Determinants Adequate Food Socioeconomic status Freedom from war Safe housing
What is advocacy?
Drawing a community’s attention to an important issue, and directing decision makers toward a solution
Health Professionals as Natural Advocates
Objective and trusted
Compassion with a desire to improve health
Lawmakers and the public need “translators” of complicated, scientific issues
Motivation
Intellectual stimulation
Respect in the community
Care for the poor-justice value
Better health care for all
How do you “MAKE” someone care about
Climate change?
Motivating Others: Understanding Self-Interest
Latin: inter-esse to be among
Self-interest is self among others Individual Needs: food, housing, wages, education, Social needs: friends, feeling useful, need for respect,
prideUS is a scientific leader and should lead on climate
Class interest/Social Justice: is self-interest generalized—low income impacts of electricity costs or downwind pollution from coal plants
Generational-concern for children or grandchildrenReligious beliefs: Environmental stewardship of the
earth and all people.
Organizing is the process of finding out what people want as individuals
and then helping them find collective ways to get it.
Other ways to be an Advocate as a Student
Join PSR/AMSA
Take action online
• Use social media- blog posts
- YouTube Re-share a PSR Facebook
topic
Questions about why we organize?
Public health impacted by Climate Change
The Forms of Community Organizing
Accepts Existing Power relationships
Challenges Existing Power Relationship
Direct servic
e
Self-help
Education Advocacy
Create cooling stations to prevent death during heat waves.
The Forms of Community Organizing
Accepts Existing Power relationships
Challenges Existing Power Relationship
Direct servic
e
Self-help
Education
Advocacy
Solar cooperative; or series of cisterns
The Forms of Community Organizing
Accepts Existing Power relationships
Challenges Existing Power Relationship
Direct servic
e
Education
Self-help
Advocacy
The Forms of Community Organizing
Accepts Existing Power relationships
Challenges Existing Power Relationship
Direct servic
e
Advocacy
Self-help
Education
What is advocacy?
Drawing a community’s attention to an important issue, and directing decision makers toward a solution
Install on-site renewable energy
Purchase energy efficient products
Reduce “standby” energy use
Buy green power
Holy Redeemer Medical Center Philadelphia has implemented composting programs, including one for fryer grease.
Composted food waste from the hospital is used as fertilizer at two local farms. Those farms then supply the hospital kitchen with fresh, local produce.
[GGHC Food Services (FS) FS Credit 6 –
Food Donation and Waste Reduction]
Questions about
Strategy Chart
Goals Assets Constituents
Targets Tactics
Long-term $$ Impacted Provider of solution
Actions pressuring target
Short-term People Opponents Secondary target
Goals to address Climate Change
Result in real improvement in people’s lives
Winnable
Be worthwhile
Understandable
Builds for future wins
What goal or issue would you choose to provide a
solution to address climate change?
What are your Assets?How many people in your group?
What is your budget?
How much time do you have?
Do you have a large group to recruit form?
You may wish to become part of a larger group.
Constituents: Allies & Opponents
Constituent: Who also cares about this issue?DeanPSRAMSA
OpponentsDeanCompeting organizations?
Who is your Target?Decision-maker
Elected officialDean?
Always a person/not an institution.
If you can’t reach the decision-maker who can influence them?
What are your Tactics?Meeting/Negotiations
Public hearings
Writing for change: LTE/Op-Ed
Media Events
Educational forum
Other ways to be an Advocate as a Student
Join PSR/AMSA
Take action online
• Use social media- blog posts
- YouTube Re-share a PSR Facebook
topic
More advocacy tactics Meetings
- with lawmakers in their offices as a constituent
- presentations to community groups, trade groups
- Grand Rounds
- with agency staff (EPA, Housing Authority)
- boards of directors of companies, institutions
• Calls to legislators
• Joining the Green Team at your healthcare facility
• Radio and television interviews
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world; indeed it’s
the only thing that ever has!”
MARGARET MEADE