The 88th General Assembly of the Arkansas Legislature officially adjourned the 2011 Regular Session on April 1st, 2011.
We held our first MS Arkansas Advocacy Day at the Capitol on March 31st, 2011 and raised awareness with legislators and constituents!
Meet your Advocacy Team!
Julie Cawthron
Little Rock, AR
j.cawthron@comcast.net
Julie is an advocate for The National MS Society since 1998, currently serving as Chair, Government Relations Committee. Julie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1995 after struggling many years with undiagnosed symptoms. She worked 20 years with the Federation of American Hospitals, a national trade association based in Washington, DC. As VP, Project Management, she was responsible for event planning, including the Annual Public Policy Conference. In July 2010, Julie was sadly was unable to continue working due to daily struggle with MS. Julie hopes to serve as an information resource regarding Multiple Sclerosis and is focused on the following issues: Eliminating the 24-month Medicare Disability Waiting Period and Improving Access to Neurologists.
J. Andrew Vines
Little Rock, Arkansas
avines@wlj.com
J. Andrew “Andy” Vines lives in Little Rock with his wife, Brooke, and eighteen month old twin children, Fischer and Bella, and is a partner with the law firm of Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP, where he maintains a trial practice that includes personal injury defense and commercial litigation. His father, Jim Vines, was a person living with MS for over 30 years before his death in 2010. Inspired by his father’s courageous fight, Andy was joined the fight against MS in 2007 through his work with the local Dinner of Champions, Leadership Board and Government Relations Committee.
Phil Griffey
Maumelle, AR
philgriffey@yahoo.com
Phil Griffey lives in Maumelle with his wife of 21 years, Patti and their two children, Melanie, 15 and Sam, 11. He was born in Abbington, PA, later moved to Louisiana and has resided in Arkansas since age four. He worked in manufacturing in Little Rock for three years and has been living with MS since 2001. He worked until 2010 and continues to serve as an active volunteer with the National MS Society. Since 2005, he has served in various capacities including chair of the Walk MS committee, member the MS Arkansas Leadership board and Arkansas Government Relations Committee.
Debora Ray
North Little Rock, AR
debora.ray@sbcglobal.net
Debbie Ray lives in North Little Rock and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1998. She married in 1999 and they have 2 year old daughter. She obtained her MBA in 2002 which has enabled her to advance her career and is currently employed full time. Debbie has served as an active volunteer with the Society since diagnosis and has served on the GRC for one year. She also began serving on the Client Programs Committee this year.
Natalie Dickson
North Little Rock, AR
ndickson@hilburnlawfirm.com
Natalie is a volunteer member of the Government Relations Committee of the National MS Society, Arkansas Chapter. This cause is close to Natalie’s heart because her aunt was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1995. Her aunt has inspired her and her family by being so involved in all aspects of the multiple sclerosis community and contributing to educating others about multiple sclerosis. Natalie is an attorney with Hilburn, Calhoon, Harper, Pruniski, & Calhoun, Ltd.
The Arkansas Office relentlessly advocates every day to advance community and state policies and programs that could impact the lives of people with MS. Through the efforts of the South Central Region and its dedicated volunteers, many connections are being made on local, state and federal levels. Become an MS Activist today!
No more important public policies exist than those that affect our health. Access to health insurance, prescription drugs, and the choice to receive long term care services at home rather than in an institution are very real issues for people with MS.
At the National MS Society we think that real people should have a real impact on reforming the health system, starting with access to care for those who need it. All of our advocacy successes happen when people with MS speak out on issues important to them. We also believe standing together with other advocacy groups will form a strong and more effective voice to impact our common issues and concerns.
Follow the links below to learn more about our advocacy efforts and how you can make a difference!
-
MS Advocacy Action Network
Take action now on our issues! -
How to Get Involved in Advocacy
Get information on how to become an advocate. -
MS Advocacy Action Network - Federal
Learn about MS-related issues being debated in Washington D.C.
Additional Resources:
*Contact your legislator: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/txh/take-action/get-involved/advocacy-101/contact-your-legislator/index.aspx
*Arkansas State House of Representatives: http://www.arkansashouse.org/
* Arkansas Senate: http://www.arkansas.gov/senate/index.html
* Find who Represents You!: http://www.arkansashouse.org/about-the-house/district-map
*Arkansas Secretary of State: http://www.sos.arkansas.gov/Pages/default.aspx