Public Policy and Issues Advocacy
The Alabama Primary Health Care Association (APHCA) is the voice for Alabama’s community health centers and the people they serve. The mission of community health centers is to provide access to quality, affordable health care through a comprehensive medical home. APHCA is a key player in health care policy. It tracks legislative and regulatory issues, and advocates issues with the state and federal government – as well as with state, regional, and national committees and agencies – that impact our member centers. APHCA representatives serve on various state and private health care related committees and networks.
As part of our work at the federal level, APHCA and its members attend a Policy and Issues Forum in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Association of Community Health Centers, to promote and discuss with key national legislators relevant issues in primary health care. At the state level, APHCA hosts an Annual Legislative Forum to advocate and network with state legislators and leaders. Additionally, APHCA meets with members of the Alabama legislature to educate them on issues important to community health centers and the patients they serve.
Grassroots Advocacy
Beyond policy and issues advocacy, APHCA coordinates the activities of a grassroots advocacy network whose members are referred to as Consumer and Legislative Advocates. We provide regular training and mentoring opportunities to continue to increase their effectiveness as community advocates. For more information, contact Kat Rodman.