The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #54775

Marianne Reiner, Doctors of the World USA, 375 West Broadway, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10012, 212-226-9890, reinerm@dowusa.org

Part of the twelve-member, international Médecins du Monde network, Doctors of the World-USA operates within the framework of health care services to contribute to the processes of peace, reconciliation, and human rights.

In March 2002, Doctors of the World USA (DOW-USA) launched the Medical Advocacy Project. Through this model program, DOW-USA volunteers provide pro bono expertise as researchers, advisors, analysts, and expert witnesses to our partner organizations on the front lines in the struggle for human rights and civil liberties. DOW-USA Medical Advocacy partners have so far included the ACLU National Prison Project, Children's Rights, Inc., the ACLU of Arizona, and Rutgers Law School's Women and AIDS Clinic.

Volunteers may visit an isolated detention facility and testify in court, or simply work from their homes or offices, conducting record reviews and writing affidavits. The variety and flexibility of the Medical Advocacy Project's assignments allow many busy health professionals to donate their time when they otherwise would be unable to.

While the initial scope of the Medical Advocacy Project was limited to the United States, DOW-USA recently investigated the possibility of providing medical and mental health expertise as a partner to the UN-created Special Court for Sierra Leone.

Benefits of such unique partnerships for both the medical and legal professions will be discussed, as well as information on how new volunteers can join DOW-USA and how advocacy organizations can become Medical Advocacy Partners.

Learning Objectives:

After this session, participants will be able to:
• Articulate several functions health professionals can serve in advancing a rights-based cause.
• List the steps necessary to engage their organizations in a partnership with the Medical Advocacy Project, if appropriate.
• Describe benefits of the “synergy” of volunteer health providers and legal/policy advocates for advancing health and human and civil rights in the US and abroad.

Keywords: Advocacy, Social Justice

Related Web page: www.doctorsoftheworld.org/advocacy/default.cfm?contentID=28

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Doctor of the World-USA (main org.); partners will be mentioned, including: ACLU National Prison Project, Children's Rights, Inc., and other non-profit advocacy organizations.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by DOctors of the World USA (DOW). DOW partners with above-mentioned goups and other non-profits on advocacy projects; no fees are involved.