NSGC works closely with many organizations that support increasing access to genetic counselor services. Moffitt Cancer Center is an example of a great partner in gaining the support from members of Congress from the Tampa/St. Petersburg region of Florida. There are many key members of Congress that sit on important committees from this region and NSGC and Moffitt have jointly met with these congressional offices. Rep. Vern Buchanan of the House Ways and Means Committee and Reps. Cathy Castor and Gus Bilirakis of the House Energy and Commerce Committee are supporters of increasing access to genetic counselors.
To have a complete advocacy program, NSGC needs to employ all the tools at our disposal to positively impact our issues and one of those tools is the NSGC Political Action Committee (PAC). The PAC focuses on members of key congressional committees who play an important role in drafting legislation that can impact our interests in a positive way.
Members of Congress up for re-election need to raise money for their campaign. While NSGC can’t contribute to candidates, individual NSGC members can donate to the NSGC PAC and these donations allow the NSGC PAC to support those who support genetic counselors. Small donations by many individuals add up fast and we need your participation as a member of NSGC.
While many campaign fundraisers are held in Washington, DC, some are held in local congressional districts. Recently, in Tampa, Florida, a group of community leaders including many supporters of Moffitt Cancer Center hosted an event for Rep. Castor in Tampa and the NSGC PAC contributed to the event. Two genetic counselors who have been leaders in advocacy from the Tampa area were able to attend the event on behalf of the NSGC PAC. They were able to spend time with Rep. Castor to thank her personally for advancing our policy goals and also make a personal connection which is one of the single largest benefits from attending small fundraisers.
You are able to discuss issues in a relaxed atmosphere and really translate policy to the real world. These opportunities to educate members of Congress who are up for re-election are important to our success. One of the genetic counselors who participated in Tampa, Carolyn Haskins, said, “It has been phenomenal to see the symbiotic relationship that has been created and strengthened between our local leaders, Moffitt Cancer Center, NSGC and the NSGC PAC.”
We urge you to please donate today by clicking HERE.
NSGC Headquarters promotes the professional interests of genetic counselors and provides a network for professional communications. Access to continuing education opportunities, professional resources, advocacy and the discussion of all issues relevant to human genetics and the genetic counseling profession are an integral part of belonging to the NSGC.