Injury & Violence Prevention INdepth
Injury & Violence Prevention INdepth
Lending your voice to IVP - the importance of advocacy
In this episode, host Mighty Fine discusses the importance of advocacy in injury and violence prevention work at the state and national level. Topics include advocating in person on Capitol Hill along with finding opportunities to advocate virtually using online tools available to assist in the process.
Guests include:
Paul Bonta, Senior Policy Consultant
Safe States Alliance
Maria Cariaso, Injury Prevention Coordinator
Indiana Department of Health
Madelyn Maxwell, Healthy Aging and Falls Prevention Project Coordinator
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Welcome to the injury and violence prevention INdepth podcast. My name is Mighty Fine, and I'm the host of this Safe States Alliance production. In this space we'll engage in dialogue with IVP professionals on a variety of issues. To help inform our listeners on the latest trends and hot topics in injury and violence prevention. This episode is sponsored by the American Trauma Society, or ATS for short. And this organization is dedicated to the elimination of needless death and disability from injury. For over 50 years, the ATS has served as an advocate for the trauma care system, trauma prevention programs and survivors of trauma along with their families throughout the United States. They have a mission to save lives, improve care and empower survivors. Learn more about ATS by visiting their website at www.amtrauma.org. On today's episode, our spotlight is on the crucial aspects of advocating and educating within the realm of injury and violence prevention and the broader public health landscape. We'll delve into the significance of raising awareness, fostering education and exploring innovative strategies to continue to communicate about the importance of injury and violence prevention. So we can all work collectively to ensure that we have healthier and safer communities. I'm super excited because we have three stellar guests with us today. And they're going to certainly contribute to the fullness of this conversation. We have Paul Bonta ,Maria Cariaso, and Madelyn Maxwell. I'll ask each of them to introduce themselves and then we'll get started.
Paul Bonta:Hello. Paul Bonta. I'm the Senior Policy Consultant at the Safe States Alliance.
Maria Cariaso:Hi, my name is Maria Cariaso. I am the Injury Prevention Program Coordinator at the Indiana Department of Health and I am part of the Safe States Fellowship Program.
Madelyn Maxwell:My name is Madelyn Maxwell, and I am the Healthy Aging and Falls Prevention project coordinator for the Injury Prevention Service at the Oklahoma State Department of Health. I was a policy fellow for Safe States last year. And now, I am the co-chair for the policy committee this year.
Mighty Fine:Thanks everybody. Now let's dive right in. Someone talk to me about what Hill Day is and the significance and importance of it.
Paul Bonta:Mighty, maybe I'll jump in here. Hill Day is a great event that I think allows certainly Safe States members and injury and violence prevention experts across the country to engage in the policymaking process. Our goal is to not only connect our members and injury and violence prevention experts with members of their congressional delegation, but to ultimately help foster a relationship between our members and the members of Congress in Washington DC who represent them. The benefit of engaging in Hill Day, I think, is really twofold. One, it allows injury and violence prevention professionals to raise awareness about the injury and violence prevention issues or programs that they care about most. Conversely, it allows members of Congress to learn that they have injury and violence prevention experts, they have access to the expertise of injury violence prevention professionals, among those whom they represent in their state or in their legislative district. So it's a great opportunity to promote important issues within the injury and violence prevention arena, and it's a great opportunity to promote the expertise that members of Congress have access to within their states or districts.
Mighty Fine:Thank thank you for that Paul, Maria, or Madelyn anything you'd like to add to that?
Maria Cariaso:Yeah, as an injury prevention program coordinator, a lot of what I do is with the community and being boots on the ground, and providing that high-level management, so I think that Hill Day provides this golden opportunity for us to inform and educate what we might be experiencing on the ground. So there is a direct engagement between policymakers and those who are health professionals and constantly the ones getting feedback from the community. So I think it is a great way to be that channel of information for them and have real-life experiences also that could kind of provide support and supplemental information regarding what's going on and and also the policies that we are making at the state level and the federal level.
Mighty Fine:Thank you. It almost sounds like to me it's an opportunity to tell stories as well, because we know that narratives can hopefully drive a point home. So it seems like Hill Day presents that opportunity as well. Absolutely. Very true. Madelyn, anything from you?
Madelyn Maxwell:Yeah, kind of to piggy back what Paul and Maria spoke to sharing those lived experiences, not only with our representatives, really helps them see kind of what we do in our community. I know last year, it was my first Hill Day experience. So getting to really talk to them about issues that are important to me and to my state, and to what I do in the Injury and Violence Prevention Network was very important. I think. It's an exciting time when you're at Hill Day, too.
Mighty Fine:So absolutely. So it sounds like to me, obviously successful can be somewhat subjective, right. But it sounds like you all have found some success in some way around Hill Day, thinking about that, or any of the advocacy or educational efforts that you've been involved in? What are some successes that you can share with our listeners today.
Maria Cariaso:So this will be my first time at Hill Day. So I'm very excited. And I'm relatively new to the field. And so I'm so grateful for this opportunity. Because, you know, I do have some, I would say, fresh perspectives that I could bring on. And this being my first time and like I said, I have limited experiences, this is an exciting time for me, because then I think this will be pivotal for me, such a critical time to because of the pressing issues that we have. When I was first introduced to this field, my when I had my internship, I was fresh, a fresh graduate. And that was when the pandemic happened. So I think we are bringing on a freshly energized group of health professionals, right, that have been through really unique challenges throughout these years, right, you're trying to maintain the, you know, the approach towards challenges, but also towards tackling or combating new emerging issues, right, such as what the pandemic brought on. So I think that if anything, this really underscores the importance of advocacy efforts, right. So I'm just really looking forward to this experience. And I know that this will be one of my really, like I said, pivotal moments of my career.
Mighty Fine:Absolutely. I'm excited for you. And I think about we won't say how long ago, right, but my first time on the hill. And having an opportunity to interact with legislators is as a sort of rush that you get, I think, especially your first time, or your first go round, at least that has been my experience. So it's a lot. I'm glad to hear that you're excited about it. And then you speak to the importance of making sure that that pipeline is secure. So as folks are maybe leaving the advocacy space, they're there folks coming up behind them, who's who's ready to take up that mantle. Other thoughts from either Paul or Madelyn, especially thinking about? Paul, I can think about the times we've engaged and, you know, advocacy and policy has its challenges. But I'm just curious, in addition to like what Maria shared and talking about being reinvigorated. What's something that keeps you all continuing to do it or your desire to sort of push this work forward?
Paul Bonta:Mighty, it's the progress that we're making. And so I can point to a few instances where we've had success. And so it's through the engagement of injury violence prevention professionals, in the policy making process, that the National Violent Death Reporting System today is a nationwide program. When we first started working on NVDRS, it was a very small program funded it just you know, a couple million dollars, and it only existed in 12 states. Today, it's funded abruptly $25 billion. It's in all 50 states and a handful of US territories. And that's a success that has been realized directly because of the engagement of injury and violence prevention professionals who have gone to Capitol Hill to urge their policymakers to educate their policymakers about the need to fund this program in their state. Additionally, we've been working with a handful of champions in the house and a senate for the past several years and circulating a Dear Colleague letter during the annual appropriations process calling for additional investments and pro priority set of injury violence prevention programs. Well, again, it's through the engagement in the policy making process of injury violence prevention professionals, that We've been able to systematically increase the level of support in both the House and the Senate that we've received on these dear colleague letters year after year. Why is because injury and violence prevention experts have contacted their members of their congressional delegation to say, Hey, there's this letter circulating, urging additional funding for these programs. And as an injury violence prevention professional, I ask that you sign on that you signal your support for these programs. So those are successes that not only are very rewarding, but that type of success and being able to witness that makes it easy to continue doing this work
Mighty Fine:For folks listening. And you clearly can't absolutely. see me smiling and shaking my head. But I'm in supreme agreement with you there, Paul. And I think that's a great point, to bring up that when we see what is possible that almost serves as a to reinvigorate us to push even further and make sure that we're galvanizing that collective effort for the greater good of our community. So thank you for uplifting that. So, thinking about the folks who maybe can't do this direct work, like some of you are doing for Hill Day, or any other sort of advocacy or educational efforts? What are some other ways that they can support and Paul you alluded to some of this already. But again, just a shout out to folks who are not as engaged in the advocacy again, or education space? How can they support uplift or magnify the messages that you all are bringing to our elected officials,
Paul Bonta:I'll just quickly say, you know, in today's virtual environment, engaging, has never been easier. Why? Because it doesn't require a trip to Washington, DC, it doesn't require a trip to your members of Congress district office, in your home state, you can engage virtually. And if you're unable to engage virtually Yes, there are other opportunities, there are other ways to engage. We've had injury violence prevention professionals, who have written letters to the editor in their local newspapers promoting raising awareness of a particular injury and violence prevention program. So there are many. And so another thing I'll mention is for policymakers, either in Washington, DC, or in your state capitals, they read those letters to the editor, one of the first things they do in the morning is look at their local newspaper to see what are people writing in about what are the issues that people care about, so much so that they've taken the time to submit a letter to the editor to their local paper. So another great way, another great opportunity to engage in advocacy, without needing to travel to your state capitol without needing to travel to Washington, DC.
Mighty Fine:Yeah, I totally hear that. And I also appreciate you bringing up that advocacy can happen at different levels where you are, whether you're thinking locally, state, and certainly nationally, I think that's a great point to emphasize here. So thanks again, for for uplifting that, Madelyn and Maria, anything you want to contribute to that,
Madelyn Maxwell:I will say on the Safe States website, they have a lot of different tools that individuals can go to. They have advocacy alerts, and also a great tool is they have kind of a sample letter that you can send to your representatives, you can just copy and paste it and send it right it has all the language for you. And you can also add what you know, maybe an injury topic that you're very passionate about, say older adult falls, prevention, concussions, etc. So that's a great tool. And there's a lot on the website as well. And then, just like locally, getting involved in any coalition and knowing your resources to really advance your advocacy efforts in your state, literally.
Mighty Fine:Thank you, Madelyn, also just thank you for corroborating what I usually share with folks in my outro I encourage them to check out the Safe States website, because there are tools and resources of great use for you there. And so you heard it corroborated here today, folks, when Madelyn said go to the site, lots of tools and resources that you can use for your advocacy efforts. So so thank you for that.
Maria Cariaso:Oh, just quickly add, you know, in this age of technology, we have been privileged with a lot of online resources, just like my Madelyn said, there's there's a lot that they can do that people can be a part of. And, you know, I think through this fellowship, I was able to take that opportunity. And I also say I will also want to say that direct communication with your local health departments, state departments, you know, just whenever you are engaging with them, just voicing out your your feedback and your thoughts, because those can kind of create a ripple effect to you know, I think just really recognizing the importance and what communications and these meetings can bring about, you know, in our day to day functions through our work. So you just never know who's in the room also, and who's listening. So just making sure that you really seize every opportunity, getting yourself informed about these issues that you want to bring up whenever you are in deriving engagement with other people in the field.
Mighty Fine:Absolutely. So you all have shared about Hill Day and talked about the significance and importance of that. We also covered how folks maybe not as directly engaged can support and elevate this work. And, Paul, you alluded to this or not alluded but you touched on this, when you spoke of the NVDRS and the successes there. I'm curious to hear from you all to expand upon that or take us in a different direction. How do you believe effective advocacy can actually make a difference in raising awareness and leading or ushering us towards positive change? And that can be specific to injury violence prevention, or we're thinking about that more broadly, where that intersects with other public health issues?
Madelyn Maxwell:I don't know if I'll answer this question. Exactly. Right. But I know kind of one of those successes being add Hill Day last year, as part as a part of the policy fellowship was to develop kind of an injury brief over a topic that, you know, we wanted to bring awareness to. So older adult falls prevention, that is kind of my expertise, especially in the injury prevention world. And I know, just talking with my representatives that I spoke to that day, they didn't really have any knowledge of what evidence-based fall prevention programs were. So just bringing that awareness to people that aren't always in our world really helps. And that can emerge change later on. So just being able to talk about different topics, and then also diverse opinions to different topics, too. So that didn't really answer the question.
Mighty Fine:But you did, I do think it's important point that you make just raising the visibility or awareness. And I don't know the scientific research behind what you made me think about, but it's sort of like when someone you know, gets a new car, or they're reading a book, or whenever they introduce something new to you, right? And it probably was in your sphere at some point before, but you didn't acknowledge it or notice it, because it just had never been presented to you. But after that thing is presented to you, then you're not like, hey, everywhere I go, I'm seeing this car, I'm seeing this book. So it's now a part of your psyche. So I say, oh, that again, I don't know what the scientific pieces of that are. But we'll just rock with a hair for the purposes of this podcast. But I do think you bring up a great point just by introducing a concept, or data or an issue area in this way. I do think it, it makes it a part of someone's psyche in some manner, then they it translates to solutions, acknowledgement, etc. later on. So I think you didn't answer the question, Paul, something you wanted to say?
Unknown:Well, I mean, it's, well, I'll share a story from very early in my career - doctors of chiropractic medicine, were just coming on to the scene. And so I had chiropractors coming into my boss's office, to talk about their desire to bill Medicare, for the services they were offering to their patients. And so you know, very early on, when, as I said, chiropractors were just coming onto the scene, they weren't really recognized as contributing much value to the healthcare system. And so when I was meeting with the with the chiropractors early on, I just thought to myself, this is never going to happen. Like they will never be able to bill Medicare for services they provide to their patients. But you know, what happened? The chiropractors organized themselves extremely well, they engaged in the policymaking process. And so while I was still working on the hill, they succeeded in getting legislation passed that gave them the ability to build Medicare for the services that they provide. And they were they accomplished that simply because they were committed to engaging in the policy making process. They highly organized themselves, and they ultimately got what they wanted a great success for them.
Mighty Fine:Absolutely. I think that really demonstrates and then you talk about sort of the longevity of it and even thinking about you from a staffer to where you are. I think that's another sort of indication of success that someone who's sort of dedicated to this work and and continuing to do great work in that area. So kudos to you for that, Maria, something you want to tag.
Maria Cariaso:Yeah I also want to say that you might not make very, you know, revolutionary change in your own metric, right? What you're expecting, but just planting a seed in the advocacy process and whoever you're engaging with, can also make a difference. Right? I think that sometimes, maybe they just need a different narrative also, right. And hearing that, from a different perspective can also spark some kind of, like I said, seed in their, in their, in their minds. So I think we often overlook our efforts, because we don't have this revolutionary and grand change that we are wanting to see in the world. But it's really in those little efforts, and those little things that gradually compound the changes that we see today, even throughout history, right, I think that's what's very encouraging in advocacy, in advocacy and advocacy efforts. It's, it's that whether or not it is deemed successful to you, it might not, you might not see the fruits of it now, but as long as you are being heard by someone, then you just never know where you might go.
Paul Bonta:You raised a great point. You know, one thing that I'm often reminded of, and one thing I communicate to those who engage in the policy making process is that, you know, in the policymaking arena success is measured in very small increments, right, it's it's really unrealistic to engage, say, you're, you're engaging in advocacy, you're supporting a specific piece of legislation. And so you can't just engage once you can't just expect to engage in the process for you know, a year and and think that you'll then get that piece of legislation across the finish line is I said, Success is measured in incremental steps. And for those of us who are actively engaged for us, it's really just about moving the needle, be it inch by inch, but just know a comp or attaining some of those incremental successes along the way. And which Maria, as you alluded to, you know, ultimately will bring about to the success you're seeking, after sustained engagement in the process.
Mighty Fine:Yeah, Paul, I think you both hit the nail on the head, where I think it's important in a space where you really lean into sort of ideals of future orientation, recognizing the future is still open, right. And we have an opportunity to shape it with policy, recognizing, like you said, it's going to be incremental, it's not sort of microwavable, like instant pop, right? It's really thinking about being in it for the long call. But and also appreciating those intermittent wins or successes along the course of, of the long term goal. So I appreciate that you both are reinforcing. So to stay the course. Because even sometimes I think in in this work, it's not always easily visible for folks who are a little bit removed. And you're not able to appreciate these small wins, or the shifts that are happening, but are not bright and shiny and easily noticeable. So I think it's great that you both bring that point up. And thinking about sort of engaging folks and understanding the totality of this work. How has your involvement or any observations you've made around advocating for IVP, or injury and violence prevention reinforce your belief in the importance of individuals, communities, or other entities really championing the IVP or related issue. So again, just thinking about how your involvement in your observation of this work has really solidified your, your belief or feelings that we need more people to to move this work forward?
Maria Cariaso:Yeah, I'd like to just share quote, real quick by Margaret Mead, one of my, I would say motivators in this field. So she says, Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, that is the only thing that ever has. So I think that's what keeps me going. You know, in in our work sphere, it's not always that, like we said, we kind of already alluded to this, but you'll see successes in a grand way, right? Or it has to be incremental. So I think we have to go back to our why's on as to why we're doing it, right, why we're here and then your day to day mundane operations, you might not always feel this, you know, this forest or this galvanizing force, right? So it's important to really look within and reflect as to why you chose to be in the field that you're in. So I think what what I've seen in our advocacy group is really the passion that what people have a right to be a part of this on top of what they already have on their plate and the capacity and we know the the heart shifts in the challenges that our rural already come with. And so this further highlights, I think the commitment that people have to advance the field of injury and violence prevention and how everybody has their own story and their own impetus as to why they're here. And I've seen that in our meetings. And I've seen that in the feedback and the engagement of other professionals in the fields. This has really allowed me to become to feel more inspired and to hear other people's insights into what's going on in other states, because at the state level, obviously, you you're so focused on what's going on in your state. And so this really created an opportunity for me and with many other Safe States events to not only gain in in insights, but also just ideas that I could leverage in my own state. Right. So I think the most important piece of it is the exchange of ideas that otherwise would not have been gifted up, if it wasn't for if it wasn't partaking in the Safe States. advocacy efforts.
Madelyn Maxwell:Yeah, I think it's just, you know, working in the public health field, you get to see a lot of different communities and seeing what the community need is, and also just kind of when you hear a success story about one of your programs, or you know, people send stuff in that your program helped them and you've made a little bit of change, that definitely keeps you going. I know, in Oklahoma, we have some home safety supplies through our older adult falls prevention, coalition and injury prevention. And there was an older woman, she didn't have lights for three months, and we sent her light bulbs, and she was able to have light in her home again, and that probably prevented a false for her. So just success stories about programs, and really engaging with your community and helping others.
Mighty Fine:And I love that Madelyn because there are things that are very attainable, right getting someone some lightbulbs, because we know they're protective against someone falling. And that's something that seemingly achievable, right. So I appreciate you bringing that up as well. So we think about this in totality. So like the things that are going to take a little bit more time, right, but also those intermediary steps and pieces that we can do to ensure that folks are safe, positive, something you wanted to share? Well,
Paul Bonta:I'll just quickly add, and you know, Madelyn mentioned, the tool that we have on our website that allows our members to engage directly to communicate directly with members of their congressional delegation. You know, we didn't have that a few years ago. But we have that today. Because we recognize the need for more enduring violence prevention experts to engage in the process, we recognize the need for Safe States to make that engagement as easy as possible. Additionally, you know, Maria talked about the passion within the field. And we've seen that passion, we've seen that passion grow, I've seen that passion grow. The injury and violence prevention policy fellowship program, is one that again, we didn't have that just a few years ago. But we recognize the need to grow the voice of injury, abolished prevention professionals in the policymaking arena. And today, not only do we have this fellowship in place, but we've seen an increasing number of applicants who apply to the fellowship every year. So when you see that passion, you want to do everything you can to help facilitate that to help expand that. And so that keeps you engaged, that that keeps you coming back and looking to do more for the injury violence prevention community.
Mighty Fine:Yes, it's great to hear that the applications are increasing, because to your point, more folks are aware of it and are interested in doing the work and then Safe States has an opportunity to really shape that pipeline. So that's a really exciting news. And as we're thinking about shaping the pipeline and meeting more folks to address some of these issues and injury and violence prevention. Madelyn, you talked about falls prevention. Paul, you mentioned and NVDRS. So I'm curious to hear from you all, what is an upcoming or current injury violence prevention issue, you believe needs to be prioritized in some way. So more folks are aware of it and can find out ways that they can help to support it.
Maria Cariaso:Well, that you know, the emerging issue of foreign violence. This is I mean, it's it's always occurred, but not to this extent. And I think, in conjunction with mental health declines, we are needing more of a hands on an innovative approach when it comes to reduction of our own violence. Think that's what what I've been seeing in the increase when it comes to injury. You're in, in our state. And, of course, older adult false has always been consistently a concerning issue. So, really, I would like to see and hear about some innovative approaches that other people have that I could bring on to my own state as well. So that we could, we could see some tangible reduction in in those numbers.
Mighty Fine:Got it. So in addition to elevating the issues, but also sort of sourcing what are some of these innovative approaches that can be scaled up and translate? It sounds like you're saying across sort of geographic distinctions and the like, polar Madeline, what's on your radar? What do you see is, and it can be something that you're working on now. But you you feel there's a need to elevate it a little more?
Paul Bonta:Well, you know, I agree with Maria, I think foreign violence prevention is an issue that's drawing, drawing more and more advocates into the policymaking arena. I've spoken to a handful of groups where I've made the point that, yes, mass shootings are absolutely horrible. And and and we all hate waking up to the news of another mass shooting. But I think the the cadre of advocates who are now engaging in support of some type of firearm violence prevention policy is larger than it ever has been before. Because today, there are so many individuals who have been impacted who have been negatively impacted by gun violence. And so, you know, I, I firmly believe that, recognizing that, you know, today we have, you know, the NRA is in the weakest position it ever has been before. And we have a growing number of advocates willing to engage. And I think we also have some evidence based solutions that might, as you said, should be lifted up. And we just need to educate policymakers about the impact that some of these local solutions are having in communities across the country, so that they can learn from them and that hopefully, provide the resources necessary to scale those up.
Mighty Fine:Absolutely, I was giving you a virtual round of applause. Both of you, because as you both will Maria, you may not know, because, you know, a firearm violence is an area that I'm very passionate about and totally agree. We know what can be effective in reducing these premature deaths and injuries. So I'm totally right there with you. So Madelyn, we heard older adult falls, which you've mentioned, and Maria mentioned that as well, in firearm violence, is there anything else you think is worth mentioning? Or that you're working on? Or you've been thinking about?
Madelyn Maxwell:Yeah, those are two very important topics. I work mainly on older adult falls prevention. So that one is very near and dear to me. I also think, you know, suicide prevention, you know, after COVID-19, we had so many people isolated and experiencing loneliness through that period of time. So I think, definitely moving the pendulum on that. Also drug overdose. That's a huge one also in the United States, you know, to be looked at and policies and how we can kind of shift some stigma around both those issues is very important and to advocate for anyone that may be suffering. And so just kind of reducing stigma as well. Awesome.
Mighty Fine:Thank you. Thank you for that. I, you know, I've learned a lot about you all during the conversation today. And as someone who's not involved in the type of advocacy you all do or doesn't look the same way. It certainly made me smile and just sort of, you know, percolated some things in me and how I plan to shift some of the programming and the work that I do. With that being said, I for those of you all, who can't see them, as you all talked about it, I did, I did see some smiles, right. So I'm just curious, from your perspective, what do you enjoy most about the advocacy that you're doing? And if folks are listening, and Maria, you mentioned this will be your first hill day. So as folks are thinking about where they want to go in the area of injury, violence prevention, and if advocacy are somewhat something relevant to that is where they see themselves operating, what advice can you share with them? So two things, what do you enjoy most about advocacy? And what advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in this lane?
Maria Cariaso:In thinking ahead since I you know, I have no experience prior to this. I am most excited and enjoy the part of garnering information really, for the advocacy process, I have learned so much, you know, not only will I get the opportunity to inform our policymakers, but myself professionally and personally, have grown tremendously throughout this process, because I have been educated, I've been informed, I have listened to all the, all the wonderful people involved and committed to effecting the changes that they want to see. So it's been, it's been a very inspiring journey. For me, I will say, I think that together, our voices are obviously more powerful and stronger. So it just really amplifies me and I bring with me, to hell day, the voices that, you know, might not have the opportunity to be there. And all of my lived experiences and all of the stories of her and the narratives I've seen from the media, from the news from the people directly impacted by injury and violence. Those I will take with me that day. And, and I honor them, I honor their lives, I honor all of the lives lost because of those preventative preventable incidents. And, really, that's what is sparking the conversations that I will be having on Hill day.
Mighty Fine:Yeah, I like that you brought that up, too, and made me think about, at least in my perspective, I don't think some will say not everybody recognizes someone who's doing advocacy, it's a route to becoming a subject matter expert and said area, right, because as you mentioned, you're continually educating yourself. So you're reading you're engaging. So I think that's a great point to elevate is that it is a way that you really sensibly, you become a subject matter expert in that area. So I think that is certainly worth mentioning. And folks to think about it in that manner, as well. Paul and Madelyn...
Paul Bonta:Yeah, Mighty, what excites me is seeing the increased number of injury and violence prevention professionals who are engaging in the policymaking process. This year, advocacy day, we're going to have over 50 attendees come to an in person Advocacy Day event on Capitol Hill. And I know full well that next year, we're going to bust. Even you know, right through that 50 participation mark and, and hopefully come close to 100. And so it's really exciting to see more and more injury and violence prevention professionals looking and working to engage in the policymaking process. And my advice to those looking to engage is simply to just take that first step of engaging, take that first step to perhaps have your first conversation ever with a lawmaker on Capitol Hill or with a lawmaker in your state capitol to just simply talk about the work that you do. That's what we tell our advocates all the time, your role is to talk about what you do your role is to talk about the impact of the injury and violence prevention programs that you're working on back home. So it truly is easy. I think the difficult part is taking that first step taking, you know, making the initiative taking the initiative to have that initial conversation with your representative or your senator at either the state or the national level. But my advice is, take that first step, you'll enjoy it, you'll see how easy it is. And you will soon realize the benefits of engaging.
Mighty Fine:Absolutely Madelyn, you want to you want to close us on now take us home?
Madelyn Maxwell:Um, well, I would say maybe one of the most exciting things about advocacy is our voice does matter. So you never know when you're going to go speak to your representatives, especially on Hill day is that you might find your new champion for your state. So that's always an exciting time. And just knowing that, like kind of Paul said, taking that first step, it can be very intimidating. But once you do it, you have your confidence. And the topics are important to them. And like I said, if you can find that champion, it's great.The topics are important to them, and they want to hear from you.
Mighty Fine:Absolutely right.
Maria Cariaso:And just like to add to there's always something that you know that other people don't so don't be afraid to share that and I think knowledge is power, but it's even more powerful when shared and circulated.
Mighty Fine:Absolutely, totally agree. Because it's sort of invigorates other folks so learn a little bit more see how they can engage to your point, or you all mentioned this really, really thinking about the collectiveness that's required to really move the needle. And I think that's something that really undergirds the conversation today is it's about advocating for an issue that you care about, but also sharing that information so others can find ways to get involved as well. Well, I want to thank you all for engaging in such a fruitful dialogue with me today, Maria, Madelyn. And, Paul, it's been a pleasure. And I'm sure the folks listening in will have found this to be insightful and informative. And hopefully, they're there. Some of them will be part of that. That lot that you mentioned, Paul, that will be at Hill Day next year. So again, just encouraging folks to continue in this space and connecting to ensure that we're working to make our communities safer and healthier for all. So that's it. Thank you, everybody.
Paul Bonta:Thank you all.
Madelyn Maxwell:Thank you.
Mighty Fine:Thanks again for listening to IVP INdepth. Be sure to subscribe and listen to us on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or Google podcasts. You can also follow safe states on Twitter at Safe States the same for LinkedIn. And don't forget to check out our website SafeStates.org where you can find an abundance of injury violence prevention tools and resources. I would like to thank our sponsors, the American Trauma Society, for supporting Safe States and helping us to create space for programs such as this. With that, this is your host mighty fine signing off and until next time, stay safe and injury free.