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Help Advocate for Public Health in Oregon

The Oregon Public Health Association advocates for just and equitable health policies to protect and promote the health of all our state's residents. We work together with partner organizations to advance a shared legislative agenda. We determine our priorities each year through a collaborative process that begins with the Policy Committee and moves on to the full Board of Directors for discussion and decision. We prioritize legislation that advances the public's health in Oregon; specifically policies that support prevention, equity, and the public health infrastructure.  Join us as we engage with legislators and other policy makers to inform them about the importance of public health.

How to get involved:

  • Join OPHA and our Health Policy & Advocacy Committee. The committee examines current Oregon public policy issues and makes recommendation to the OPHA Board of Directors about how OPHA should get involved. The committee facilitates OPHA members' advocacy efforts and works with public health partners in Oregon to advance public health policy. 
  • Subscribe to the OPHA Email List to learn about important public health legislation and to participate in OPHA action alerts. The OPHA listserv provides updates on current Oregon public policy issues. Action alerts provide an easy way for you to directly voice your thoughts on proposed legislation to state representatives.
  • View our Legislative Update page and stay informed about OPHA endorsements, state legislative activity, and national advocacy efforts.
  • Track Bills to find out the latest information and status of bills before the Oregon State Legislature. 
  • Contact Oregon Legislature to urge their support of public health in Oregon. You can reach out to your Representatives at any time; they want to hear from their constituents and value a face-to-face meeting, phone call, or personal email. Click here to find out who represents you in the House and Senate. 
  • Take Action NOW on a national platform with the American Public Health Association. In coordination with its members and state and regional Affiliates, APHA works with key decision-makers to shape public policy to address today's ongoing public health concerns. Learn about current APHA Advocacy Priorities HERE.

Advocacy Tips & Tools:

Public health is discussed in various capacities by local, state and federal decision-makers every day. Without the voice of those who possess both expertise and experience in public health, legislation, regulations and other policy decisions may not reflect what is best for the public's health. The time to be an advocate is now.

The Coalition of Local Health Officials (CLHO) created this legislative toolkit for local health departments to provide background information to their communities, State Senators, and Representatives on local public health issues. The toolkit is also designed to be used as a resource for those who are interested in advocating for the local public health system, or for a particular public health issue.

Additional Resources:

State:

Federal: