This document outlines policy initiatives and advocacy steps to impact colorectal cancer screening. It identifies 2015 national legislative goals like increasing funding for research and removing barriers to screening. It requests that attendees support these goals through 7 call to action steps like joining the state's advocacy coalition, participating in annual awareness campaigns, and engaging political leaders. The goals are increasing access to screening, especially colonoscopy, supporting younger onset research, and expanding non-invasive screening options. Resources and contact information are provided.

1. Arkansas Colorectal Roundtable
Policy Initiatives
Action Steps for Advocacy Impact
Nikol Hamilton, MSN, RN
10/29/2015

2. Objectives
• Explain the value of policy advocacy at the
state/national constituent levels
• Identify the 2015 colorectal cancer national
legislative goals
• Showcase leadership for policy mentoring
opportunities
• Request partnership via 7 “call to action” steps
for coalition attendees

3. Why get involved in Policy?
• Leaders in policy influence – YOU!
Video

4. Legislative Goals – 2015
H.R. 1220/S.624 Funding/Research
• Removing barriers to colorectal cancer
screening
Summary – asking Congress to pass
legislation to eliminate Medicare
beneficiary coinsurance for CRC
screening colonoscopy
Problem – Medicare oversight in law
Solution – Bipartisan bill support to fix
loophole therefore screening
colonoscopy with polyp removal does
not trigger coinsurance liability
Current Progress: GovTrack.us
H.R. 1220 – 186 cosponsors (113Dems, 73
Rep)
S.624 – 24 cosponsors (20 Dem, 4 Rep)
NONE FROM ARKANSAS
• Increase funding for the Colorectal
Cancer Control Program (CRCCP)
• Increase funding for Research with
DoD & NIH (including NCI)
• NEW!!! 21st
Century Cures Act (H.R. 6)
– house passed & need Senate
companion bill otherwise dies and
never becomes law
$8 billion in funding to NIH/5yrs
*Modernize clinical trials + patient
perspective into drug development &
regulatory process

5. Increasing Access
• Gold Standard – Colonoscopy
-rural initiatives
-innovative mobility
-healthcare outreach regionally within AR
• Younger onset research & tracking
• CRC Nurse Navigation support –state program
• Non-invasive options for screening
Ex: Cologuard® stool DNA kit for home use;
Flu-Fit & Flu-FOBT Programs

6. Connect to AR leaders
Senator Cotton Representative in YOUR District

7. Be Consistent
Senator Boozman Hill from Home

8. Pioneering the
Policy Platforms
Social Media is your Friend

9. Advocacy Assets

10. Action Steps – Make an Impact!
1) Join Arkansas Colorectal Cancer
Advocacy Coalition
* network hub of communication
2) Participate in the annual Blue Star
State Campaign – March
Proclamation for CRC
3) Host quarterly Statewide Community
Education
4) Attend annual Get Your Rear in Gear
Arkansas Wellness Fundraiser
5) Attend Call on Congress in D.C.
6) Champion lobby days at the Capital
as a pioneer voice –be visible!
7) Engage your political leaders – be
heard!
Politicians are no different than patients. They don’t care what you know, till they
know you care.
They need to hear from constituents about issues that are important to them!

11. Resources
• www.flufit.org
• www.fightcolorectalcancer.org
• www.coloncanceralliance.org
• www.coloncancercoalition.org/arkansas
• www.calloncongress.org
• https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/hr1
220
• https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/s6
24

12. Contact Me!
Nikol Hamilton, MSN, RN
arcrcadvocates@gmail.com
501.291.3152
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