Advocacy Committee
Who We Are
 The Connecticut Public Health Association (CPHA) Advocacy Committee advocates its public health initiatives by educating CPHA members, public constituencies, and policymakers. Advocacy activities include:
- Monitoring the status of pending legislation significant to the Advocacy Committee’s public health priorities;
- Preparing fact sheets (position papers) and legislative updates;
- Presenting written testimony on behalf of the CPHA before the Connecticut General Assembly regarding proposed legislation;
- Organizing lobbying efforts and grassroots advocacy through outreach with our Capwiz software, through legislative education programs, and through telephone and letter-writing campaigns;
- Organizing and collaborating with CPHA members to support the Advocacy Committee’s public health initiatives;
- Maintaining relationships with leadership of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Health Committee and other relevant Committees, the Executive Branch of the State of Connecticut and the Connecticut Department of Public Health;
- Collaborating with other organizations to ensure that public health is a priority in the legislative and policymaking process.
Legislative Priorities
The Advocacy Committee of the Connecticut Public Health Association (CPHA) has identified six areas of focus in addressing public health concerns: public health infrastructure, racial and ethnic health disparities, health literacy, universal health care, environmental health, and disease prevention. The Advocacy Committee focuses on these areas to improve the health of Connecticut residents.
- Public Health Infrastructure. Goal: Strengthen the public health infrastructure within Connecticut by remaining vigilant in maintaining and building resources needed to effectively meet the public health needs of all state residents.
- Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. Goal: Eliminate factors that contribute to health disparities experienced by racial and ethnic populations in Connecticut.
- Health Literacy. Goal: Strengthen the ability of Connecticut residents to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services so that they may make appropriate health decisions.
- Universal Health Care. Goal: Ensure that all Connecticut residents receive quality, affordable health care.
- Environmental Health. Goal: Promote health for all Connecticut residents through maintaining and improving water and outdoor air quality; protecting against indoor health hazards; and minimizing exposures to toxins and waste.
- Disease Prevention. Goal: Promote screening programs and awareness efforts that will contribute to the reduction in disease prevalence in Connecticut.
Legislative Fact Sheets
Legislative Priorities in the News
Joining the Advocacy Committee
We welcome new members to help us create a healthier Connecticut. The advocacy committee meets quarterly on the first Thursday of February, May, August, and November at 8 am. Additional meetings occur as needed. To join the advocacy committee, please e-mail Alyssa Norwood (alyssa.norwood@cpha.info).
Student Internship Opportunity
Students interested in health care policy and the legislative process are encouraged to apply to the Connecticut Public Health Association's spring internship program. To learn more about our student internship opportunity, click HERE.
Chair
For more information or to join the advocacy, please contact the advocacy committee chair:
Alyssa Norwood (alyssa.norwood@cpha.info; (860) 424-1345)
Note: The advocacy committy is currently seeking a co-chair. Interested candidates should contact the current chair at the contact information above.
Schedule of Meetings
The current advocacy committee meeting schedule is as follows:
Date
November 5, 2009 (Links to Agenda and Minutes will be available soon.)
February 4, 2010
May 5, 2010
August 5, 2010
All meetings begin at 8am at CPHA's office, located at 241 Main Street (2nd floor) in Hartford. Our offices are housed in the office of the Connecticut Association of the Directors of Health. Parking is available behind the building, off of John Street. For those unable to attend all meetings in person, contact Alyssa Norwood (alyssa.norwood@cpha.info) for call-in information.
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