Becoming a pulmonary hypertension advocate doesn’t require visits to your lawmakers — although we encourage that, too. You can draw attention to important PH issues through the power of media, whether you’re posting on social media or drafting a letter to the editor or opinion piece.

Advocating on social media

Social media can be an influential way to catch the attention of many people with little effort, including your elected officials.

Social media is a great way to amplify your message. Post that you called your members of Congress or used PHA message templates to email them about an important bill or policy. You can encourage others to take action by sharing the link to PHA’s Action Center or a message template.

3 tips to get started

Use the social media platform(s) you’re most comfortable with.

  1. Tag PHA on these platforms so we can engage with your post:
  2. Tag your legislators and/or their staff members. You can find contact information for senators and representatives with PHA’s congressional contact page. Pro tip: Typing @LegislatorName generally brings up the person’s account as you compose your message.

Today I asked [@Legislator’sName] to support the SOAR Act, which improves access to supplemental oxygen, a critical part of treatment for many people with #pulmonaryhypertension as part of @PHAssociation’s #WorldPHDay2025 #AdvocacyCampaign

For #WorldPHDay #AdvocacyCampaign I’m joining @PHAssociation to ask [@Legislator’sName] to cosponsor the Safe Step Act, legislation to eliminate barriers to life-saving medication for people with #pulmonaryhypertension

I’m joining @PHAssociation’s #WorldPHDay #AdvocacyCampaign. This May, we’re asking [@Legislator’sName] to support the HELP Copays Act, legislation that protects #pulmonaryhypertension patients’ access to charitable assistance

Thanks [@Legislator’sName] for meeting today about the SOAR Act, Safe Step Act and HELP Copays Act. Please support these bills to improve patient access to treatment in the #pulmonaryhypertension community. #WorldPHDay #AdvocacyCampaign @PHAssociation

Letters to the editor and op-eds

Writing an opinion piece for your local or regional newspaper is an effective, easy way to reach a wide audience.

A letter to the editor or op-ed can generate community discussion. Congressional staffers tell us that members of Congress keep a close eye on local media coverage, including opinion pieces, so they can keep up with issues important to their constituents.

Even if your letter isn’t published, it can still educate and persuade editors. The more letters newspapers receive on a given topic, the more likely they are to dedicate space to that issue — on the editorial page and in news articles.

Promoting your message

Newspapers get dozens of submissions every day. If a newspaper doesn’t publish your letter, consider publishing it yourself on social media. Consider sending a copy or published link to PHA.

If your letter gets published, we can link to it in PHA News. Or we might reach out to you to share your story. Be sure to send a link or clipping to elected officials and supporters as well.

How to write a letter or opinion piece

  • Check your media outlet’s website or search online for instructions on submitting letters or op-eds. Many have online submission portals. Follow all the requirements to improve your chances of getting published.
  • Write as if you’re talking to the newspaper editor, not to readers or elected officials.
  • Know that you represent yourself, not the PH community or PHA.
  • Be clear about what you want to accomplish.
  • Write from the heart with passion.
  • Cite personal experience, or professional expertise if applicable.
  • Make sure you have a lively opening. For op-eds, include two to three points. Tie them to local issues.
  • Don’t assume people have read a past article you’re responding to.
  • Don’t attack the paper or any reporters or media staff.
  • Close with a question or call to action.

Choosing a format

Letters to the editor are generally shorter than op-eds, about 250 words, compared to 500 or more. You don’t have to be an expert to write a letter to the editor. Your letter likely will appear quickly, and you don’t need the paper’s permission to write a letter.

When writing an op-ed, you might need to reach out to the paper before sending, and it will take longer to get published. You may need to establish author credibility on the subject.

  • Your issue has just been in the news. The sooner you write, the better your chance of getting published.
  • A vote or action is coming up in Congress.
  • You want to counter a point made by opponents, an unbalanced story or unfavorable editorial.
  • You want to emphasize or expand on a point made in a previous news article.

  • To make a case about a proposed law or issue that affects the PH community, such as formulary changes.
  • To address more complex points.
  • When the author has “standing,” such as a known expert or local hero.
  • When a paper chooses not to run an editorial or runs a negative editorial.

Get involved in PHA advocacy efforts

Stay informed

Sign up for PHA’s Advocacy Action Alert, a monthly newsletter about our advocacy initiatives, progress on legislative issues and tips to educate your elected officials about PH.

Subscribe to PHA newsletters