BILL viral HEP You can call or email your Representative’s office in Washington, DC.

You can call or email your Representative’s office in Washington, DC. Ask to speak to the staff person who handles health issues. You might get their voicemail or you might reach this person directly. Even if you reach voice mail, leave your message. You may also be given the staff person’s e-mail address if that is a better way to contact them. Be sure to ask for the spelling of the person’s first and last name.
Sample script:
“My name is____________, I live in (city, state), and I care about viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis impacts nearly 5.4 million Americans and most do not know it. In ____ (state), the impact is _____. Viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis B and C, are viruses that silently attack the liver and are a leading cause of liver cancer; one of the fastest growing, most lethal, and most expensive cancers in this country. I urge Representative_____________ to show leadership in the fight against viral hepatitis and liver cancer by cosponsoring Representative Mike Honda (D-CA) and Charlie Dent’s (R-PA) Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Control Act, H.R.3974. Thank you.”

If there is time, tell them why this issue is important to you. If you need to, take the time with the staff person to explain the basics of the disease. Members of Congress and their staff pay attention to their constituents. Our lawmakers are simply unaware of viral hepatitis. They need to hear how viral hepatitis impacts their voters and you are a great resource for them to learn from.

You can reach your Representative by calling the Capitol Switchboard at 1-202-224-3121 or email them directly at http:/writerep.house.gov. If you don’t know who your Representative is, go to www.house.gov/ and enter your zip code in the upper right corner. If your Representative is already a cosponsor, thank him or her for his support and offer to provide your experience/expertise on this issue as needed. Please feel free to forward this action alert to your social and professional networks!