“Previously, we just didn’t have the money we needed to generate the proper kind of public relations support we needed to further this effort,” Ms. Lynch said. “The grant allowed us to retain a small PR firm, and with their help, our three bills have passed the New Jersey State Assembly. Now, as they move through the Senate, we’ll reactivate the PR campaign and support it on that side.”

Grant recipients are asked to inform ACEP of their process on a regular basis, as well as provide a report on their accomplishments for ACEP’s State Legislative/

Regulatory Committee, including lessons learned and any documentation produced from which other chapters could benefit.

Ms. Lynch encouraged all state chapters to consider applying for a grant.

“Every board should take a good look

at the opportunities before them and brainstorm on ways to use the money to advance emergency medicine,” she suggested. “It’s a relatively easy process that has gone a long way toward advancing our advocacy agenda.”

For more information, go to www.acep.org/advocacy, find “State Issues and Resources” in the left column, then click on “State Public Policy Grant Program.”