Council Launches Presidential Campaign Initiative

With no sitting President or Vice President vying for the nomination for the first time since 1928, the 2008 Presidential election campaign promises to be unlike many others. Both party nominations are wide open and candidates have started building their campaigns earlier than ever before.

This situation presents health care advocates with an excellent opportunity to reach out to and secure their support. Seizing this opportunity, the National Health Council has launched an initiative designed to focus candidates on a top health care issue - the lack of effective health coverage.

The initiative seeks to persuade Presidential candidates to address this important health care problem. Over the coming weeks and months, the Council plans a variety of activities aimed at securing candidates support. These include, but are not limited to:

• Issuing a statement signed by all VHA member CEOs
• Encouraging candidates to issue policy statements.
• Generating local media coverage in key states/districts.
• Collecting signatures on a petition in support of our effort.
• Organizing a “Call the Candidates” day in key states.
• Convincing candidates to return a questionnaire on health.

The campaign relies heavily on the organization, mobilization and activation of patients. “If patients get involved in this effort,” said Council Executive Vice President Marc Boutin, “we can make a difference. That’s why we plan to work closely with our members over the coming months.”

For more information, please contact National Health Council Strategic Consultant Joseph LaMountian at joseph.lamountain@gmail.com or 202.288.5124.