Key Contacts is a grassroots program of the Washington Academy of Family Physicians which encourages its members to get to know his or her legislators and to communicate with them regularly about issues of importance to family physicians and their patients. Last year the rural obstetrical crisis, tort reform, advocating for a smoke-free Washington, as well as funding the Children's Health Insurance Program and expansion of the Basic Health Plan were all on the public policy screen of family physicians who took a moment to make a phone call, write a letter or send an e-mail.

In the 2006 Legislative Session, the Academy's policy objectives will include support for initiatives designed to improve patients access to health care and the future of family medicine in Washington State. The Academy will focus on educating policy makers about the role primary care should be playing in the health care delivery system. Family Medicine specialists are focused on providing high quality, evidence based preventive health care to patients. Health policy initiatives should support effective deployment of primary care to all Washington residents; it costs less and enables better outcomes.

The WAFP communicates with Key Contacts primarily by e-mail to alert and inform you of current legislation and its affect on your patients and your profession. Consider joining us this year and make the voice of Family Medicine even stronger. If you want to participate contact the WAFP office at (425) 747-3100 or (800) 621-8424 or sign up.

The state of Washington has 49 legislative districts. Each legislative district elects one state senator and two state representatives. Call the WAFP office or visit here to determine your legislative district. The site also provides links to district maps and information about your local legislators.

Please let us know if you are interested in being a Key Contact. Contact Karla Graue Pratt at karla@wafp.net.