2010 Advocacy Achievements; Preparing for 2011

Thanks to advocates like you, NOF made substantial progress in advancing osteoporosis and bone health on the national health agenda. As we prepare for 2011 and the new Congress, we would like to reflect on the achievements of 2010.

Throughout the year, NOF brought together patients and health professionals from around the country to meet with their Members of Congress. More than 40 advocates from 20 states traveled to Washington, DC and met with 74 Members of Congress and their staff to discuss the impact that poor bone health has on them, their families and communities. These advocates returned home empowered by their visit to Capitol Hill. Hey became committed to strengthening their relationships with their elected officials and raising awareness in their communities.

In addition, NOF worked with patients, caregivers and many professional, health and community groups to protect patient access to osteoporosis testing, critical for detecting osteoporosis and preventing debilitating and costly fractures before they occur. A Medicare reimbursement problem made it harder for individuals, especially the elderly and frail, to get tested. We are pleased to report that a temporary remedy was included in the health reform legislation signed by the President in March. Additionally, funds also were included in legislation passed this December for reprocessing medical claims, including those for osteoporosis testing.

2010 also saw an increase in the number of cosponsors and supporters of the Bone Health Promotion and Research Act. This legislation would create a national bone health program focused on education, prevention and research.

The 112th Congress will bring changes and new faces to Washington, DC. More than 100 new Members of Congress are coming to Capitol Hill next year, along with new committee assignments and office staff changes. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Many newcomers may not know much about osteoporosis and the impact that poor bone health has on their district and constituents. Now more than ever, we need you to reach out to your Members of Congress and share with them your stories and emphasize the need for bone health education and osteoporosis research, prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

NOF will continue to reach out to all Members of Congress, new and old. But NOF cannot do it alone.

Your help is critical if as we continue to advance osteoporosis and bone health on the national health agenda. The numbers are dramatic. One in two women and up to one in four men age 50 years and older will break a bone in their remaining lifetime. About one in four hip fracture patients age 50 and older die within a year of the fracture. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Osteoporosis is often preventable and treatable. Together, we can raise awareness of the need for public health policies that promote bone health education and osteoporosis prevention and treatment.

NOF will be holding quarterly advocacy calls to both update you on the status of legislation supported by NOF and to explore ways in which each and every one of you can get involved and make your voice heard. We hope you can join us for these calls, or send us an e-mail with any questions or suggestions. You can contact us by calling (202) 233-2226 or via e-mail at bea.duque-long@nof.org.

Thank you once again for supporting NOF and joining the fight against osteoporosis. Together we can be a strong voice for strong bones!