Public Policy & Advocacy

Massachusetts Chapter Advocacy Mission

Our mission is to advocate for policy change that improve access, quality and effectiveness of health care for patients in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In addition to a passionate advocacy for our patients, we advocate for policies that enhance the practice of medicine for physicians and allow us to provide the highest quality, efficient care to our communities. 

The committee has 20-30 members that meet quarterly to discuss policy issues and advocate for them through various efforts including speaking with legislators and providing education to Chapter members, policy makers, and the general public. In between meetings, subcommitees and working groups move forward with advocacy efforts through collaborations with allied community organizations. 

Advocacy Subcommittees

• Advocacy Day - This subcommittee is responsible for organizing Advocacy Day at the State House, including selecting legislation and speakers. They also organize the meetings between participating members and their state legislators to discuss important legislation.
• Advocacy Education - This subcommittee is dedicated to bringing training in various advocacy skills to chapter members. Our goal is for members to feel well-equipped to tackle issues affecting their patients and practice through various forms of advocacy ranging from conversations with legislators, to writing op-eds and coalition-building. 
• Environmental Justice - This subcommittee is focused on environmental justice and its impact on health within local communities in Massachusetts. They identify educational opportunities for members and work closely with other local environmental groups, acknowledging the connection to the broader environmental movement. 
• Opioid Use Disorder - This subcommittee is focused on addressing the opioid epidemic by increasing access to care through education and advocacy.
• Violence Prevention - This subcommittee is focused on identifying, reducing, and preventing violence in our communities. This group aims to address the increasing public health concern and plans to focus on three main areas: domestic violence, racial violence, and gun safety. They take a proactive role in screening, education, and advocacy; identifying gaps and creating screening tools for physicians to implement in their practice. 

2021 HIGHLIGHTS:

-A working group with HPPC has been working closely with Rep. Vargas to create a coalition to eliminate the religious exemption for vaccine uptake.

-Members of our committee testified in Feb. 2021 to support the creation of a health equity task force to ensure that our most vulnerable patients have access to care as well as crucial preventative measures including the Covid-19 Vaccine. 

Massachusetts Legislative Contacts

• Find Your Massachusetts State Legislator
• Find Your US Senator
• Find Your US Congressperson