Last December the Executive Council of The American authorized the Committee on Government Relations and Insurance to proceed aggressively with activities addressing health care reform issues at the national level. CGRI, with the approval of the Executive Committee, hired attorney Daniel E. Leach to conduct Phase I of his government relations proposal—a study of The American's position in relation to health care reform, and of its ability to influence legislation.
Leach, a founding partner of the San Francisco firm of Leach and English, with offices on Capitol Hill, has worked at the heart of the federal legislative process for over a decade, specializing in health care issues. Among his achievements is the enactment, by the District of Columbia, of the most generous of all government-mandated benefits for outpatient psychoanalysis and psychotherapy.
The Phase I report was submitted to CGRI and the Executive Committee in February. Leach and his staff, having met with leaders in government, business, and allied professional organizations, concluded that The American, with the active participation of its members, can launch a dynamic effort to influence health care reform on behalf of mental health patients.
The Executive Committee accepted the report and authorized Leach to begin Phase II—a six-month lobbying effort, undertaken in Washington and nationwide, on behalf of The American and its objectives. These efforts are currently under way. Leach will be calling on the entire membership to contact legislators during this crucial time. Under the guidance of Leach and his staff, The American will organize grass roots political efforts at the local level and will issue periodic Action Alerts. Members are urged to act as soon as they receive word to call and write their legislators, and to participate actively in other government relations efforts.
The fight will take money. Members have received a fundraising letter from President Bernard Pacella, outlining Leach's plan of action, and are urged to give generously in support of these critically important efforts. Now is the time to ensure equitable treatment of our patients for many years to come.