Get Involved

This collaboration has already enjoyed advocacy success. The three organizations successfully and jointly lobbied for the inclusion of a new "Welcome to Medicare" wellness benefit in new Medicare legislation passed last year by Congress. Beginning January 1, 2005, new Medicare beneficiaries will have up to six months to schedule a one-time wellness visit. During this wellness visit, a primary health care provider will assess a beneficiary's health and family history, schedule necessary screenings, and allow time for counseling in support of efforts to stop smoking, improve nutrition, and increase physical activity.

The American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, and the American Heart Association plan to continue to work collaboratively to raise awareness among policymakers of the staggering human and financial costs of these chronic diseases by promoting legislation to increase funding for and research into prevention and early detection.

To find out how you can join the fight against cancer, visit the American Cancer Society Advocacy program for events information, to learn about fundraising efforts, support legislation on a local and national level, and help with activities in your area.

Government Relations and Advocacy at the American Diabetes Association works to improve access to quality care, eliminate discrimination against people because of their diabetes, and make sure the federal government is adequately funding diabetes research and programs.

In working to fulfill its mission to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases, the American Heart Association encourages federal, state and local legislators to support public policies that advance the fight against heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. But we can't accomplish our task without you. Please take a moment to learn about our efforts and how you can help make America heart-healthy and stroke free. Visit americanheart.org/advocacy.