Tips for Talking to Your Elected Official
Identify yourself as a constituent and ask to speak with the legislator’s Health Care Legislative Assistant.
Tell the aide that you are a volunteer member of the National Scleroderma Foundation.
Briefly tell him/her your personal story about scleroderma.
Explain the issue using content from an Action Alert sent by the Foundation.
Give the legislative aide your contact information and ask to be informed about the actions of the legislator on this key issue.
Briefly explain what scleroderma is. Use the following five quick facts:
- Scleroderma is a chronic, disabling and, often, fatal autoimmune disease
- Scleroderma causes damage to one or more of the body’s organ systems, including the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and blood vessels
- Approximately 300,000 people in the United States have scleroderma
- The cause of scleroderma is unknown
- There is no known cure
Finally, remember to THANK the person you speak to for their time and attention!
Calling Your Leaders
The best way to reach your elected officials in the House and in the Senate is to call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 225-3121. An operator will connect you to your Representative or Senator’s office.
If you don’t know who your representative and/or senators are, follow these links for helpful search tools.
If you have questions about advocating on behalf of people who have scleroderma, please contact the National Scleroderma Foundation at (800) 722-HOPE [4673].