How to Build Effective Relationships with Lawmakers

FQHCs are highly regulated by the federal government and receive federal funding to serve people who do not have health insurance, are low-income, or live in underserved areas. Federal funding is critical to the financial sustainability of health centers that serve many uninsured people. Thankfully, health center funding has historically had bipartisan support (thank you to our many congresswomen and men!) and is allocated in Congress' budget annually.

However, health center funding may only sometimes be a priority to Congress, and if they don't know about your excellent work, the funding may not be at the top of their minds. Building relationships with them through their local or health policy staff is so important.

👉 Here's How to Take Action:

✅Contact the staff and invite them to your health center. Invite your Congress members to visit your health center when they are home on break. Tell them many facts about your services to the people in their states or districts.

✅ Provide information about the patient population you serve, including Veterans, the uninsured, Medicaid and Medicare recipients, and people below the federal poverty level.

✅Local and state lawmakers are also essential to the health center's success, so schedule meetings with county and city commissioners and state legislators. Give them tours of your sites and the facts you created for your Congress members. These relationships will go a long way in asking them to support important bills during the legislative session. You'll be better positioned to apply for state and local grants.

Elected officials aren't usually healthcare experts, but you can still teach them about the vital work your health center accomplishes in your community.

Start building those relationships today and see the future benefits it brings to your health center!