In past iterations, this event has been held in Washington, DC with a special focus on the promotion and advancement of the federal legislative agenda. However, with the ongoing trend of government decentralization, it has become increasingly important to advocate at the state and local level. With this in mind, the AADE Advocacy team crafted a Public Policy Forum program designed to train members on how to engage with policymakers locally.

This year, over 80 participants from 37 states joined us at the Forum to hear from retired legislators; active lobbyists; the Directors of the Illinois Department of Public Health, National Minority Quality Forum, National Health Council; and a panel of AADE member-activists who have taken the reigns of diabetes-related advocacy in their home states.

If you missed the Public Policy Forum and are interested in seeing some of its content, you may view out the presentation deck here. If you’d like to learn more about AADE Advocacy and getting involved in your state’s advocacy efforts, please contact AADE Advocacy Coordinator Ashley Urisman at aurisman@aadenet.org