Advocacy

New Advocacy Bulletin – Sign Up Now

Social Mission Alliance is pleased to announce the launch of our advocacy bulletin, Health Advocate Insights. Seeking to foster social accountability in the health professions, this publication aims to keep advocates, educators, and students informed about the latest state and federal policy developments in the ever-evolving landscape of health professions education and workforce.

In a time where healthcare and education are more and more politicized, it is crucial for stakeholders to stay abreast of the latest developments in the field. The Health Advocate Insights bulletin is a valuable resource for those committed to promoting ethical practices and social responsibility within the health professions, from the classroom all the way to the clinic. With the launch of Health Advocate Insights, we’ are excited to provide a monthly platform that empowers advocates, educators, and students to stay actively involved and make a meaningful contribution in today’s challenging healthcare climate.

Sign up for Health Advocate Insights Newsletter

Advocacy Priority Areas

To guide our work, the Social Mission Alliance Advocacy Advisory Council determined the following priority areas for our organization:

  • Ensuring that the diversity of the health workforce matches the health workforce of the nation, and
  • Transforming social mission education to make sure that all health professions trainees are prepared to treat all the diverse communities of the country.

Engagement

How we engage in policy and advocacy efforts:

  • Writing letters of support
  • SCOTUS Task force – exploring a response to the recent Supreme Court decision, Students For Fair Admissions v. Harvard
  • Health Workforce Policy Tracker – tracking bills that stand to impact the healthcare workforce
  • Student Assembly Virtual Hill Day – Students and Advocacy Advisory Council members meeting with members of congress to share our advocacy platform.
Zoom call with six people

Screenshot from Student Assembly Hill Day 2023

Advisory Council

In October 2022, Social Mission Alliance assembled the Advocacy Advisory Council. Led by Robert Rock and Raashmi Krishnasamy, the council was charged with establishing a plan to leverage Social Mission Alliance’s health workforce research expertise and network for advocacy efforts around social mission that will reach a wider audience.

In 2023, the Advisory Council hosted a virtual summit to convene leaders in pursuit of health equity, where they officially released the advocacy priorities.

Council Members

Davarian Baldwin

Davarian Baldwin

PdH, MA

Ashanti Carter

Ashanti Carter

Ed.Dc, MPH

Addys Castillo Head shot

Addys Maria Castillo

Stephanie Farquar

Stephanie E. Farquhar

PdH, MHS

Keilah Jaques

Keilah A. Jacques

MSW, CMHFA, CPC

Raashmi Krishnasamy

Raashmi Krishnasamy

MPH

Robert Rock

Robert Rock

MD, MHS

Manisha Sharma

Manisha Sharma

MD, FAAFP

Letters of Support

Below is a list of letters of support signed by Social Mission Alliance in pursuit of policy change.

Build Back Better

In 2021, Social Mission Alliance (then Beyond Flexner) was pleased to submit this Letter of Support to the Ways & Means Committee in regards to the Build Back Better Act.

 

Pathways to Practice

Social Mission Alliance (then Beyond Flexner) sent a letter of support to chairman Richard Neal in support for the Rural and Underserved Pathway to Practice Training Programs, detailed in Section VI of the House Ways and Means Budget Reconciliation Legislative Recommendations, as an important step towards addressing our nation’s pressing health workforce needs.

Champion Spotlight

The Social Mission Alliance features Social Mission Champions on our social media accounts and blog. The series highlights the important work done by those who are advancing health equity and addressing the health disparities of the society in which it exists. If you’d like to be considered for a Social Mission Champion feature, complete the form below.