As the newly minted ASH President for 2022, I have become accustomed to emails from members and nonmembers alike with all kinds of requests. But when an email from the EOP, the Executive Office of the President, flashed in the corner of my screen on a recent Friday afternoon, I immediately took notice. It was from the White House COVID-19 Response Team asking for a meeting on “ASH's efforts to engage its members and patient community on COVID-19 booster vaccinations, including eligibility of immunocompromised individuals for up to a fourth dose.” It was timely and touched on a subject very dear to my heart at this moment. What followed the surprise email was a very promising meeting between representatives of ASH and the White House team, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leadership, to discuss messaging, boosters versus fourth shots, defining eligibility for fourth shots, and more. ASH leadership anticipates more engagement to come. Who knew that ASH had that kind of reach?
The Society's impact through advocacy is not always front and center. Most think of ASH in terms of the annual meeting and our other educational programs. I am sure that many ASH members will be surprised to learn about our legislative activities. Perhaps most notable is the Sickle Cell Comprehensive Care Act — bipartisan legislation recently introduced in the House and Senate (H.R. 6216/S. 3389). The introduction of this important legislation represents nearly two years of tireless advocacy on behalf of ASH members working with congressional staff and members of Congress to address the serious needs of our patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). This bill directs the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to create a demonstration program in up to 10 states to improve access to comprehensive, high-quality, outpatient care that includes clinical, mental health, and ancillary support services for individuals enrolled in Medicaid with SCD. ASH has also played a role in S.2566, a bill that would allow access to blood transfusions for patients with cancer receiving the Medicare hospice benefit, improving quality of life for those at the end of life, and also reducing costs of care. Our team will be tracking these bills closely and updating us all on their progress.
Through advocacy, ASH amplifies our voices. I have already had the opportunity to sign ASH onto numerous amicus briefs for the Society, joining with other medical societies to show support for cases that are relevant to our mission or that affect our patients. In early January, we joined with other societies to support the federal government's application with the U.S. Supreme Court to allow a rule by CMS requiring funded facilities to ensure vaccination of health care workers. The decision directly cited the support of the medical societies. How exciting to see our influence cited in a Supreme Court decision!
Through ASH, our members have the opportunity to get up close and personal with our lawmakers. Each year, the ASH Advocacy Leadership Institute provides the opportunity for 20 to 25 members to learn about policy-making and advocacy, and to participate in visits to congressional offices. By becoming members of the Grassroots Network, ASH members receive a monthly newsletter and alerts regarding legislation. The ASH staff provide a template letter that can be easily signed and sent to your congressional representative and senators. A few hundred letters and tweets do influence votes in support of legislation and can provide your representatives the rationale and support for their votes.
Who knew we could have such an impact? Within just a few days of our call, we heard back from the White House COVID-19 Response Team to connect us with leadership at the CDC for further discussions. Hopefully, we can help with messaging and continue to advocate for our patients.
There is so much we can do! Now is a great time for members to get involved with the Society's advocacy efforts. For more information, visit www.hematology.org/advocacy.
