Policy Advocacy Actions at the Organization, State and National Levels: The Organizational level

Public health nurses are an integral part of the health care system. They have a voice in the development and passage of health policy. Involvement in health policy takes time, effort, and commitment. However, involvement in the policy process is one way to improve the public’s health.  Improvement of the public’s health can be done at various levels including the organizational level. This presentation will focus on helping public health nurses know how they can be involved in policy at the organizational level, and specifically within the organization of the American Public Health Association.  Beginning with the first step of identifying a health issue through acceptance of the policy by the Governing Council will be presented. Health policies accepted by the American Public Health Association are frequently taken forward to legislators in Washington to show support for a particular policy. Public health nurses can be leaders in promoting the health of the public through involvement in the policy process at various levels.