What Else Can I Do?

Community providers, like North Star Community Services, are the foundation of disability and mental health support services.  We work closely with the Iowa Association of Community Providers (IACP), our state trade association, for advocacy, trainings, and more.  We are working together with policymakers to create an Iowa where people with disabilities can learn, live, and thrive and YOU can help by following the legislative issues and contact your Iowa legislators to voice your support.

Advocate with us.  The definition of advocate is "to add a voice of support to a cause or person."  Sharing your story can help - in fact, advocacy is one sure way to give a voice to issues that matter to you!

You can help by contacting your local members of Iowa legislature and help make them aware of the important services North Star provides, and why these things matter to persons served, their families, our employees, peer-providers and the community.

Iowa's community providers will contribute $1.3 billion dollars to the economy, and provide support to 160,000 of our more vulnerable citizens with disabilities from all 99 counties in the state.

Contact your local seat holders...often...to ensure they are aware of North Star Community Services, and the invaluable services we provide the people we serve.

The Iowa Association of Community Providers (IACP) has a list of current policy priorities that will help community providers like North Star help the people we serve.  Find out more here 

Visit the IACP website for additional information and reach out to your local legislators.  Find out who your legislator is by using this link:  Find your Iowa Legislator

If you need help getting started, below is a simple sample script:

 

Dear Senator/Representative ________________:

My name is {name}.  I am a constituent, and I live in {city, county). I am {who you are – someone receiving support, a family member/guardian, employee or interested other} of an Iowan living with a disability who  receives the critical support that empowers them to realize their potential, pursue dreams, and enjoy a safe, healthy, more independent, and inclusive life.

{insert short description of how/why the support matters}.

During this year’s legislative session, I am asking that you consider supporting these priorities:

Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) & Habilitation Priorities

• 3% Across-the-board rate investment to sustain quality services.
• Implement regular, scheduled rate reviews for HCBS and Habilitation, with a predictable process to ensure providers can meet capacity needs.

Policy Initiatives

• Require that providers receive at least 30 days’ advance notice before Medicaid funding ends for any member, to address eligibility communication gaps and prevent unrecoverable costs.

Thank you for supporting individuals with disabilities.

Kind regards,

Your Name & Contact Information