Advocacy

SoCal HIMSS Policy and Advocacy

The HIMSS Policy and Advocacy committee advocates Healthcare IT on behalf of its membership. Activities include educating HIMSS members and Members of Congress and their staff on key issues regarding legislation. The Southern California Chapter, HIMSS Chapter Advocacy Liaisons perform these actions, on behalf of its members, both at the State and National Level, throughout the year by the means of the following events.

  • Attend Monthly Teleconference Calls
  • Attend Chapter Advocacy Roundtable with National HIMSS
  • Contribute Advocacy related articles to our Quarterly Newsletter
  • Attendance at National Policy Summit
  • Compile materials and resources for members around Public Policy and Advocacy
  • Keep Chapter Board informed about advocacy efforts.
  • Recruit Chapter volunteers and other leaders to join the Advocacy committee


The 2020/2021 Southern California Chapter Public Policy and Advocacy Committee:

  • Ian Slade (SoCal Chair)
  • Nancy Hall (NorCal Chair)
  • Dr. Larry Ozeran (Committee Advisor)
  • Bridget Burke
  • Michael Chang
  • Kevin Fernandez
  • Sachin Gangupantula
  • Despina Hopkins
  • Tania Hrynewycz
  • Geri Pavia
  • Shivani Sharma
  • Anais Sidhu
  • Esther Tolentino
  • Reginald Tuyay

Would you like to advance the HIMSS agenda by helping to educate legislators about what we do and what is important? The HIMSS Southern California Chapter, which is committed to advocacy has put together some short how-to videos containing basic information for members on how to participate in democracy and in our advocacy efforts. Have a look and let us know what you think.  We welcome your involvement.  To volunteer or to learn more, please email SoCalHIMSS.Advocacy@gmail.com.

Advocacy 101 Videos

Advocacy Resources and Links

HIMSS Advocacy: What we do and how YOU can help

HIMSS Advocacy members provide education, research and public policy recommendations that transform health.

We focus on healthcare public policies supported through the use of information and technology. As information and technology experts within the healthcare domain, members discuss impacts of IT on relevant legislation, laws and policies through legislative meetings and advocacy efforts.

HIMSS advocacy efforts span chapter, state and national levels. Advocacy members provide legislators and staff with content and context regarding pertinent issues. Our focus is to inform and become the subject matter resource for elected officials and staff who are transforming health for constituents.

Send inquiries to Shivani Sharma @ vanisharma.vani@gmail.com and Joanne Underwood @ socal.info@himsschapter.org.