This post was authored by Howard T. Walpole Jr. MD, MBA, FACC, chair of ACCPAC

***********************

Over the past 10 years, ACC’s Political Action Committee (ACCPAC) has grown from a very small organization to a major power player on Capitol Hill and in the health care reform debate. The fact that this has only occurred in the last decade is truly remarkable in the world of American politics.

ACCPAC was established in 2002 to increase the political power and reach of the College. I volunteered as the first Tennessee representative to the ACCPAC when the board consisted of one representative from each state chapter. The mission of ACCPAC is to support federal candidates who back legislation and policies that improve health care for patients with cardiovascular disease; facilitate the delivery of high quality, cost-effective cardiovascular services; and fund cardiovascular research and prevention. This mission, coupled with my concern for the mounting problems with the American health care system, are the reasons I decided to become involved.

I’m excited since for the first time in our history, ACCPAC has surpassed the $1 million fundraising mark for the Congressional cycle, placing it among the 10 largest medical PACs in the country. I believe this success has occurred because ACC members have begun to realize that the only way we can make a real impact on Congressional decisions is by developing relationships with members of Congress and communicating our views as a group, both in Washington and in our home districts. ACC members also realize that supporting candidates for Congress through ACCPAC is far more powerful than direct support as an individual. Many professionals consider membership in their PAC as simply a cost of doing business. With 2012 as an election year we have an opportunity to have cardiovascular care providers and administrators get involved and make our voices count.

For more information about ACCPAC and how to get involved visit ACCPAC’s new website. Also be sure to stop by the PAC booth outside the Expo hall during ACC.12.

[youtuber youtube='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K6nBoGITT0&feature=plcp&context=C4c61ee6VDvjVQa1PpcFOQbB3U8c9d4CT0LyiYSecJY7OcGQOfGWE=']

< Back to Listings