New APA Advocacy Network to Pair Psychiatrists With Members of Congress

The Congressional Advocacy Network (CAN), a new initiative being launched this month by APA’s Division of Government Relations, aims to amplify the voice of psychiatry in Congress through an intensive program linking psychiatrists in every state and Congressional district with a member of Congress.

APA leaders said that CAN is designed to help develop, train, and energize a national network of psychiatrists who will commit to communicate and build personal relationships with members of the Senate and House of Representatives and speak on behalf of APA on issues related to mental health and the profession of psychiatry.

“The Congressional Advocacy Network is an exciting new initiative of APA’s Division of Government Relations designed to increase the profession of psychiatry’s impact on the U.S. Congress and advance the cause of mental health in America,” APA President Renée Binder, M.D., told Psychiatric News.

“The network will match a committed psychiatrist with every member of Congress. These designated Congressional Advocates will serve as key contacts when important issues come before Congress, so that psychiatry can quickly deliver its message to Congress through direct, personal communication. The CAN program will also complement the efforts of the district branches and state associations (DBs/SAs) and be used as a resource for both the DBs/SAs and APA when federal issues arise that require a quick response. I urge members to learn more about this extraordinary effort and to seriously consider becoming involved.”

Under the new initiative, APA’s political action committee, APAPAC, will appoint a psychiatrist from each state to act as Federal Advocacy Coordinators (FACs). These Federal Advocacy Coordinators will in turn secure psychiatrist members in their state to pair with members of Congress in each congressional district and with both U.S. Senators.

Responsibilities of the Congressional Advocates will include representing APA’s position to members of Congress by sending emails or making telephone calls when alerted by APA on important legislation and issues impacting psychiatry; developing a constituent relationship with a member of Congress by meeting with him or her in the home district/state at least once every year; and delivering APAPAC contributions to members when requested.

APA’s Department of Government Relations will help Congressional Advocates in all stages of this relationship building effort, including identifying priority members of Congress who serve on key congressional committees and congressional leadership. Staff will also ensure all Congressional Advocates are educated in applicable state and federal election laws.

APA’s Department of Government Relations will help the FACs in all stages of this relationship-building effort, including identifying priority members of Congress who serve on key congressional committees and congressional leadership. Staff will also ensure that the coordinators are educated in relevant state and federal election laws. ■

Members who are interested in participating in CAN should contact Ashley Mild at [email protected] and Adam Lotspike at [email protected] of APA’s Division of Government Relations. More information can be accessed here.