New Web Site Helps Patients Champion Family Physician Issues

Legislators are impressed when family physicians speak out on the specialty's issues. They're even more impressed when patients champion those issues. Now, the AAFP has launched an online resource designed to recruit a cadre of motivated consumers who will advocate about FP issues that speak to them.

The Family Health Advocate Web site discusses issues such as the patient-centered medical home and the cost of health insurance -- issues that matter to both FPs and their patients. The site provides links for patients to contact their legislators, as well as tips to make the most effective contact possible.

Consumers can sign up to receive Action Alerts on issues, as well as a monthly electronic newsletter, Engaging Your Health. They also can volunteer to mobilize other consumers in their communities.

Family Health Advocate builds on the success of the AAFP's consumer site, familydoctor.org, which has 2.7 million visitors a month. Consumers can reach Family Health Advocate via a link on familydoctor.org.

"Family Health Advocate will help the Academy push advocacy on key issues to the next level," says AAFP President Jim King, M.D., of Selmer, Tenn. "Family physicians should encourage their patients to visit the site, because legislators take special note when consumers speak out on physician issues. I've seen it happen in my home state."