By Serena Agusto-Cox | News & Views

AACVPR’s Day on the Hill (DOTH) is an annual event intended to keep relevant issues top of mind for lawmakers; and even though Aleshia Bloker, BSN, CCRP, attended in 2024, she was motivated to return this year to support the needs of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation (CR/PR) professionals. The mission was to garner support for two legislative initiatives: the Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act (H.R. 783/S. 248) and a correction in payment disparity for off-campus hospital outpatient CR/PR programs.

Passion and Strategic Thinking

Bloker says her preparations began long before the day of the event. She spoke to members of her local affiliate, Iowa Association of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (IACPR), throughout the year to understand what issues were important to them and their programs. She also reviewed the lessons she learned at DOTH in 2024 and researched what legislative progress had been made on the current bills. She says, “Attending last year’s DOTH helped get my feet wet, and I feel more confident coming into this year’s advocacy event. I suspect that each year, I’ll gain even more confidence.”

According to Bloker, even members without on-the-ground DOTH experience should consider attending because these bills and efforts impact each CR/PR professional and their patients. “AACVPR also provides a number of great resources ahead of the event, which give you background on the bills and how to approach your legislative members, answer their questions, and, hopefully, garner their support,” she says. Additionally, videos and information packets with talking points are shared to help each member navigate their time on Capitol Hill with confidence.

“Every member needs to remind themselves that this is our livelihood and what we’re doing improves patients’ lives,” explains Bloker. “We need to speak up and voice our needs. Otherwise, we’re not in the conversation, and we’re not driving the change we want to see.” Legislators may not show their cards in these meetings, but Bloker says, “they are always receptive to your story and your passion.” She adds, “When they ask good questions, you know they are listening.”

Blueprint for Success

Bloker’s strategy starts with her inquisitive nature. “I want to be knowledgeable about everything I do, and often, I’m the one asking a ton of questions in meetings,” she says. “I like to be innovative, especially when it comes to patient care or my CR/PR programs. That drive is part of how I prepare for DOTH.”

Preparation is key, which is why Bloker took additional time to research the people she was meeting with to learn more about their education, previous work experience, whether they’ve mentioned any connections to the state of Iowa, and even their likes and dislikes. Her agenda, filled with little notations, guided her conversations throughout the day.

“Being able to make personal connections with the people you’re meeting can help ground them in the discussion,” she says. Sen. Charles Grassley’s (R-Iowa) staffer Nic Pottebaum (pictured, right) loves data, according to Bloker, which is why she made sure to have statistics on CR/PR outcomes to strengthen her case for legislative support.

Her outline for each meeting included some key actions:

• Introduce herself and her association with AACVPR
• Make an Iowa connection where appropriate
• Explain how people they may know (e.g., friends, family, neighbors) may have needed CR/PR
• Provide information about each of the legislative bills and ask for support
• Personalize the information to CR/PR programs and patients, including how these changes could improve care
• Thank staffers for their time and remind them to reach out with further questions

When engaged in these conversations, she advises making it clear that you can be a continued resource if they or the lawmakers have questions. “That way the talks are ongoing,” explains Bloker. “And if they make it back to Iowa, I want them to know that I can set up a tour of CR/PR facilities so they can see first-hand what kind of care patients receive.”

Bloker also cautions that schedules can change quickly, and meetings might be rescheduled based on a lawmaker’s needs. Although DOTH took place this year on March 4, her meeting with Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) (pictured, left) was moved to March 5. Similarly, she was unexpectedly asked to attend a constituent coffee on March 5 with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and her health care staffer to discuss the legislative priorities of AACVPR. “You have to make the most of each situation,” says Bloker.

After DOTH

Just like in 2024, Bloker attended IACPR’s conference in April and talked about her experience on Capitol Hill and shared why it was important for CR/PR. She urged colleagues to reach out to their own representatives and senators. “By encouraging other AACVPR members to reach out, the more likely it is that lawmakers will support these bills and changes for the good of CR/PR programs,” she says. “When you can speak from the heart to your lawmakers, it makes them seriously consider what you’re advocating for.”

During her presentation at IACPR, members were able to scan QR codes that allowed them to access pre-formatted emails, as well as links to AACVPR's Day on the Hill information. "I also provided them with contact information that they could use to call or email their representatives after the conference," says Bloker. She adds that her presentation went so well that several members approached her about attending DOTH next year with her, and the IACPR board approved funding to send one additional person in 2026. Of those who expressed interest, Bloker says, "I plan to reach out to each of them over the next month and find the best fit. I want to encourage all members to remain involved. So, throughout the year, I will send email blasts from the chapter organization to keep members updated on the legislation. This helps the bills gain momentum and keeps the conversation top of mind for members and lawmakers."

At the April conference, Bloker received "The Iowa Association of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Distinguished Member of the Year" award for her years of service to IACPR. "I was so shocked and proud to be recognized amongst so many great people in our field throughout our state," she says. "I feel so lucky to have the support of my state organization and AACVPR in working to better our discipline every day. And part of that work is advocating for legislation that impacts CR/PR at DOTH."

As more IACPR members consider joining the Day on the Hill efforts, Bloker is ready to provide them with mentoring. She wants them to be able to build leadership skills, and eventually, she says, “I’d be happy to pass the torch to someone else who wants to participate in AACVPR’s Day on the Hill.” Bloker is looking forward to 2026 and taking a couple of her fellow Iowa members with her to Capitol Hill.