NVHR Update

Update  Fall 06

Dear Members,

Hopefully everyone has had an opportunity to review the NVHR Hepatitis Elimination Strategy and to share it with others. 

This update will be different from those issued in the past, because this time around we are asking you for responses to several questions. 

This update addresses the following topics:

1. NVHR Briefing of CDC Officials 
2. Board of Directors Meeting in Washington 
3. Election of New Board Members 
4. 2007 Membership Dues 
5. Training for NVHR Members who wish to Meet with Legislators 
6. Messages for Legislators: Personal Stories

NVHR Briefing of CDC Officials

On August 25, Molli Conti, Martha Saly, Michael Ninburg, Jeff Caballero, Sam So, Marie Bresnahan and Deborah Wexler met with the leadership of the National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention and the National Immunization Program to introduce them to the NVHR, its goals and objectives, and to learn where CDC planned to go with viral hepatitis prevention efforts in the future. The meeting served as a wonderful introduction to two new CDC leaders; Dr. Ann Schuchat, Director of the National Immunization Program, and Dr. Kevin Fenton, Director of the National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention. Among the topics discussed during the briefing -- the need for CDC to include hepatitis experts on its advisory panels, especially HIV/AIDS and STD panels; strengthening surveillance for chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C; establishing adult hepatitis coordinator positions in each state; ensuring that viral hepatitis prevention is a priority in the Center (and not an isolated program) and that hepatitis be integrated in STD and HIV prevention programs by including hepatitis in program announcements, educational materials and prevention messages. NVHR was encouraged when Dr. Fenton specifically requested that follow up meetings be arranged between NVHR, Dr. Schuchat and himself. We assured him that this would be a priority.

Board of Directors Meeting

On September 11, the Board of Directors convened its first face-to-face meeting of the year. Previously, schedules and cost had prevented the Board from meeting other than via conference call. Much of the discussion centered on the mornings session with sponsors and government affairs experts who convened to advise us on the best course for our advocacy efforts in the coming year. Four major items arose from the discussion;

1. 1. NVHR should engage a lobbyist to work on its behalf in Washington. 
   
2. NVHR should focus on a clear and doable piece of legislation to present to key sponsors. One such message was the enhancement of the HCV coordinators program. 
   
3. NVHR should adopt a catchy theme, such as "Finish the job – eliminate hepatitis". 
   
4. NVHR should collect batches of personal stories from members and send to the members of key committees and/or all Members and Senators.

Election of Board Members

Since the Board just met face-to-face for the first time, they feel that they are just now beginning to "gel". Hence, it was proposed that we not elect new Board members at this time. Rather than vote on this issue now, the Board would like to hear your thoughts. So the first question for you to respond to is: "Do you feel strongly that NVHR should hold elections at this time and replace one/two board members at the end of this year?" Please send your thoughts to the following link on the NVHR web site: http://www.surveymk.com/s.asp?u=177252664683.

Dues for 2007

The Board of Directors voted unanimously to suspend dues for 2007. All members in good standing as of this month are exempt from dues in 2007.

Mentoring Members to Work with Legislators

Many of our members have expressed a desire for grassroots advocacy training and many of our members are experts (or at least very capable) in this area. We have posted material on the NVHR web site to assist and guide those who need help, but for those with little experience, it would also be helpful to have someone guide them through the process. The idea of establishing a mentor program was raised. Please let us know if a) you have experience working with legislators and would be willing to mentor someone who needs your help or b) you dont have experience and would like to have someone who is experienced guide you through the process. Again, please provide us with your thoughts at the following link on the NVHR web site: http://www.surveymk.com/s.asp?u=177252664683 .

Personal Stories

The government affairs experts who met with the Board of Directors felt that one of the most effective tools for getting Members and Senators to move on hepatitis legislation and funding would be to overwhelm them with personal stories from patients, family and friends describing the impact that hepatitis has had on their lives. Dr. Mark Rosenberg wrote one for the National Strategy. The NVHR would like to coordinate the collection of 50 stories from each state to send to each state Representative and Senator. This will be a challenge and we are hopeful that all of the member organizations can assist in encouraging people to submit such stories. To have the desired impact, the stories must include names and addresses. We will create a link on our web site where these stories can be placed and shared. 

The NVHR is not yet 3 years old, but we have come a long way. The coming year will be a challenging year for all as it is the beginning of our effort to implement the National Hepatitis Elimination Strategy.

Thanks once again for your commitment to the NVHR!