Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Call or Write Today - Virtual Advocacy Day

WHAT: Virtual Advocacy Day for the Ovarian Cancer Community

WHEN: Today, Tuesday, July 13, 2010 (to coincide with Advocacy Day at the Power is Teal Conference)

WHY: Participating in the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance's Virtual Advocacy Day is as easy as sending an email or picking up the phone and can make such a difference for the ovarian cancer community.
Today, 110 members of the ovarian cancer community are on Capitol Hill advocating for Congressional action that will make progress against ovarian cancer. You, too, can be an advocate by contacting your elected officials to express your desire for them to support legislation and appropriations essential to fighting ovarian cancer.

What we are requesting from Congress falls into three major categories:
a) increased funding for ovarian cancer research and awareness efforts,
b) co-sponsorship of Johanna's Law if they are not already co-sponsors, and
c) co-sponsorship of the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month resolution.

Follow these simple steps to get involved in the fight:

1. Send an email: click here to send a message to your Representative and Senators.

2. Make a phone call:
click here and enter your zip code to find the contact information of your Senators and Member of Congress.
When calling, please follow the directions and script below:
Ask to speak to the person who handles health issues related to cancer. This person will usually be referred to as the "Health L.A." (L.A. stands for Legislative Assistant).

Once the Health L.A. is on the phone, state your name, the city or town in which you live and make sure to mention that you are a constituent. Next, briefly describe your connection to ovarian cancer.

Here are your talking points for what we are requesting:

For the House of Representatives:
"As a constituent, I would like to request $10 million for the implementation of Johanna's Law: The Gynecologic Education and Awareness Act."
"An additional $10 million for the Ovarian Cancer Control Initiative."
"And lastly, $30 million for the Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program."
Please also mention: "If you haven't already, please cosponsor Johanna's Law (H.R. 2941) and the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Resolution (H.Res 1488)."

For the Senate:
"As a constituent, I would like to request $10 million for the implementation of Johanna's Law: The Gynecologic Education and Awareness Act."
"An additional $10 million for the Ovarian Cancer Control Initiative."
"And lastly, $30 million for the Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program."
Please also mention: "
If you haven't already, please cosponsor Johanna's Law (S. 3493) and the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Resolution (S.Res. 555)."

Last step: Thank them for their time and ask the Health LA to let you know when your elected official has taken the actions requested.

Please note: If the Health L.A. asks you any questions you cannot answer, please direct them to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance at (202)331-1332, and please email the question to action@ovariancancer.org.
Thank you for helping us make a difference in the future of ovarian cancer!

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!

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