Tips to Talk to Your Elected Official

Identify yourself as a constituent and ask to speak with the legislator’s Health Care Legislative Assistant.
Tell the aide that you are a member of the National Scleroderma Foundation and ask the legislator to cosponsor the Scleroderma Research and Awareness Act - H.R. 1672 (House) or S.649 (Senate).
Briefly tell him/her your personal story about scleroderma.
Explain that H.R. 1672 and S. 649 do not call for any new spending, but will increase federal support for scleroderma research and begin, for the first time, a public awareness campaign on scleroderma through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Give the aide your contact information and ask to be informed about the actions of the legislator on this key issue.
Finally, remember to THANK the person you speak to for their time and attention!

Quick Facts About Scleroderma

Briefly explain what scleroderma is. Use the following five quick facts:

Scleroderma is a chronic, disabling and, often, fatal autoimmune disease
Scleroderma causes damage to one or more of the body’s organ systems, including the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and blood vessels
Approximately 300,000 people in the United States suffer from scleroderma
The cause of scleroderma is unknown
There is no known cure

Calling Your Leaders

The best way to reach your elected officials in the House and in the Senate is to call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 225-3121. An operator will connect you to your Representative or Senator’s office.

If you don’t know who your representative and/or senators are, just enter your ZIP code on our Advocacy Home Page. You will then see the important contact information for your elected leaders.

Thank You for Taking the Time to Call or Email Your Leaders

Need Help?

If you have any questions, please contact the National Scleroderma Foundation at (800) 722-HOPE (4673).