I have been involved with two different advocacy organizations lobbying for bills and advocating for the populations the RDHAP serves. I remember my first Legislative Day as a member of the California Dental Hygienist’s Association. It began with a meeting in a beautiful assembly room in the state capital. This was pre-COVID. We were joined by a legislative member’s staffer who was an expert on the bill, which was at the topmost of our minds as dental hygienists. 

This Legislative Assistant gave us an overview of the legislative process, including how a bill goes from inception to the governor’s desk. She discussed the current activity on the issues that were on our radar, sharing the pros and cons of the bills, conflicting financial needs of the state and legislators, and much more. 

We were treated to a mock advocacy visit with a state legislator. This emphasized the need for clarity, brevity, and passion. We then were given our assignments, including room numbers, contacts, and appointment times to visit our respective legislators. We were also treated to a tour of the state Capital. I recall being a fly on the wall that day. It was OK. We learn more by listening than talking, anyway. I learned a great deal that day.

Fast forward a couple of years, as COVID shut down the opportunities to advocate in the Capital. Our Capital building is being made earthquake safe, so our meeting was offsite. The discussion was the same but the issues were different. There were some new and some experienced hygienists in attendance, but all interested and passionate about the issues we were there to discuss. 

A couple of years ago, one of the issues was dear to the heart of the RDHAP. The current law states that if the location where an RDHAP had a free-standing practice changed to no longer being in a health professional shortage area, the RDHAP would have to close their practice. This needed to be changed to protect the patients we serve in areas commonly called dental deserts. These patients would be back to square one with no dental hygiene provider to meet their needs. I happened to be on the team that visited with the legislator who saw the importance of taking on this issue. Senator Ashby was a real champion, moving the bill through all its committees. I was asked to testify twice on this issue. I was ever so grateful to have been a part of this process from start to finish, as the governor signed the bill into law in 2024.  

The reason I mention this law was that it was obvious to all of us involved that our voices make a difference. Without Senator Ashby hearing about this issue, she would not have known, not taken it on, and the patients we serve would be the ultimate losers.   

This week I was able to attend the Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Day in Sacramento. Even listening to the Alzheimer’s Association experts talk about the issues we would be addressing made me thankful to be able to be there when others who need these services cannot be. Alzheimer’s Disease is a tragic killer of the mind. Those afflicted often cannot advocate for themselves. 

I was not there to lobby for a dental issue, though, admittedly I snuck it in and handed out several RDHAP Connect business cards. The issue I was able to connect with was the financial burden of Alzheimer’s Day Care Centers and their risk of closing. I was able to share the story of how family unpaid caregivers also struggle with their health. They need time to rest, regroup, and care for themselves. They often can only do this because of the existence of the Day Care Centers. We hope to engage the congresspeople we talked to with a spark to ignite their interest as they fight for funds and programs in their communities. They often do not know these issues exist if their constituents don’t share.   

I highly recommend every Californian consider reaching out to their local congress people. They all have websites, and you can reach out in writing. That is equally important and valuable. Chick this link to find your local Assemblyman or Senator. They need to hear us and do listen to us. If you can do it, going with a group to an Advocacy Day or other event is equally important.  

Whether you call them Advocacy Days, Lobby Days, or Legislative Days, seeing our state Capitol filled with our neighbors and fellow Californians is somewhat magical. These days are filled with hope, passion, and civility.