Spina bifida advocacy--a case study in public policy success

Advocacy. Public policy. Politics. Congress and the Administration. Given recent events, these words often cause people to groan, roll their eyes, tune-out, or launch into a litany of complaints about the government. While each of these responses is understandable, the Spina Bifida Association (SBA) maintains a steadfast commitment to working with individuals, families, physicians, nurses, and other caregivers to channel their sense of frustration with government, public policy, and regulations into positive change for the Spina Bifida community. SBA engages in health policy advocacy to help fulfill its mission and achieve its goals and objectives as an organization to enhance the lives of those with Spina Bifida and those whose lives are touched by this challenging birth defect. To that end, SBA seeks local, state, federal support for policies and programs that reduce and prevent suffering from Spina Bifida.