Published: May 28, 2020

The Power of Project 535

There are few tools more powerful than direct advocacy between a constituent and a member of Congress. Project 535 was established in 2015 by the Board of Governors in order to create an avenue for AAO-HNS members to get involved in direct advocacy on issues which significantly impact our specialty.


Project535

There are few tools more powerful than direct advocacy between a constituent and a member of Congress. Project 535 was established in 2015 by the Board of Governors in order to create an avenue for AAO-HNS members to get involved in direct advocacy on issues which significantly impact our specialty. By volunteering for Project 535, Academy members ensure their voices are heard and assist the AAO-HNS advocacy efforts in two distinct ways: emailing members of Congress, urging them to support or oppose specific legislation, and meeting with members of Congress in person, either in Washington, DC, or in their district offices.

In the past, through Project 535, AAO-HNS members have served a vital role in assisting with the efforts related to the repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board, passage in the House of H.R. 2339 “Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act,” reauthorization of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program, truth in advertising legislation, and medical liability reform. Our grassroots advocates’ most recent victory was evidenced by securing integral physician protections within the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.” This success, our continued work with Congress on ongoing COVID-19 federal relief efforts, and our ongoing fight against the “Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act” (H.R. 4056/S. 2446), highlight that grassroots advocacy from our members is now more critical than ever. The Academy’s Advocacy Team needs your help to raise your voice!

Become A Member of Project 535

Successful legislative advocacy starts with a solid grassroots foundation. Our goal is to recruit a key contact for each U.S. Senate and House congressional seat to strengthen outreach to federal legislators when major healthcare issues are debated by Congress. There are still a number of states and districts where we need coverage. The commitment is minimal, but the impact is immense. Sign up today to join this exciting program! Please contact us at govtaffairs@entnet.org to sign up for Project 535 or ask any questions. The Academy appreciates the efforts of our current Project 535 volunteers and looks forward to future members joining the ranks and strengthening our collective voice!

 

 


More from June 2020 – Vol. 39, No. 5