02/15/2017

Advocacy Spotlight: Mobilizing Residents’ Voices

Engaging residents, caregivers, staff and board members in grassroots advocacy is critically important for educating policy makers about the importance of federal and state reimbursement to providing quality care.

(Menorah Park Seniors Participate in Seniors Revolt- Photo courtesy of Menorah Park)

At an event earlier this week, Menorah Park staff hosted “Seniors Revolt” an energizing Rally to encourage advocacy, which was covered by the local NBC and Fox news stations.  Menorah Park staff were on hand to help residents, family members and friends write letters to their legislators on the importance of the care they receive, especially in anticipation of the Governor’s proposed Medicaid Cuts to Ohio Nursing Homes.  Residents, caregivers and staff were able to send over 4,000 letters to their leadership both at the Statehouse and in Washington, DC.

LeadingAge Ohio is ramping up its advocacy efforts as we dig into the biennial budget and grassroots advocacy is CRITICAL! Grassroots effort -- like Menorah Park’s work -- is listened to and noticed by policy makers. Please watch for speaking points that will help augment the LeadingAge Ohio voice that speaks for adequate reimbursement across the continuum offering aging Ohioans the right care, at the right time, in the right place.  We need you, your residents, staff and board to get involved to advocate for the provision of this care to aging Ohioans!

If you haven’t done so already, visit this link to update our advocacy records, using your home voting address.  Encourage others in your organization to register as well.     

If you would like to host an event like Menorah Park’s, contact Nisha Hammel at nhammel@leadingageohio.org for assistance.