Now, as never before, nursing's voice must be heard at the Statehouse. Legislators are wrestling with important issues many of which directly affect nursing practice, health care access and affordability; the nursing shortage, staffing and other similarly vital policy matters.

While ONA has a strong lobbying presence in Columbus, the need for one-on-one contact between lawmakers and their nurse constituents cannot be underestimated. ONA's Legislative Liaison program provides the grassroots connection that is vitally important to ONA's success at the Statehouse. The program matches senators, representatives, and federal lawmakers with volunteer nurses who live or work in the districts. The liaisons, with ONA's support, develop an ongoing, long-term relationship with their elected officials in order to become a nursing resource for them. Liaisons are kept up-to-date on the latest statehouse/congressional happenings and advised about strategies and when to make key contacts with their legislator(s).

ONA Legislative Liaisons are a entirely voluntary group that preforms a critical role in ONA's grassroots legislative advocacy. Legislative Liaisons volunteer to be representatives of all nurses in their area to their legislators, meeting with them several times throughout the year, contacting legislators' offices regarding important nursing issues, and/or interviewing legislators and candidates as part of ONA's endorsement process.

Legislative Liaisons are supported fully by members of the Health Policy Council. Health Policy Council representatives organized by the region that they service are available below.

If you are an ONA member please consider volunteering to be a liaison. ONA provides a training manual, independent continuing education study, and annual liaison training to help make volunteers more comfortable and effective in this role. Liaisons have made a difference in the past and will continue to do so in the future. To volunteer, the below form or contact Molly Ackley, Administrative Services at mackley@ohnurses.org.