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AIDS Action's Guide to Calling your State REP
Calling your state Rep is part of your right as a concerned citizen. We've put together this step-by-step guide to make it easy. Remember, if you need more help or want to practice on someone before you call, contact Larry at 617.450.1533 or Deb at 617.450.1315. If you have any other questions you can always email us!
STEP 1: Who Do I Call?
Call your Rep in the State House directly.
Don't know who your Rep is? Click here, enter your address when prompted, and scroll down until you find "Representative in General Court"
STEP 2: What is the Number?
Click here, click on House on the left hand side, and scroll down to find your Rep's name. The line will have his/her phone number.
STEP 3: Now What Do I Say Again?
S2569 (formerly H4176) will let people over 18 buy needles in pharmacies without a prescription. Here's why I want you to support a vote to enact:
- Massachusetts is 1 of only 3 states in the nation with laws that prohibit sales of needles without a prescription from pharmacists.
- Thirty-nine percent (39%) of people with HIV/AIDS in Massachusetts have a needle related infection. Sixty percent (60%) of people with hepatitis C have a needle related infection. We need this public health intervention.
- Increased access to needles prevents disease. Study after study confirms that increasing access to clean syringes prevents new HIV and hepatitis C infections without increasing crime or drug use.
- This is cheap prevention for the Commonwealth. Over the counter sales of syringes will cost the state next to nothing. The pharmacies and pharmacists already exist. The state doesn’t have to buy the needles or hire people to sell them.
- Law Enforcement supports pharmacy sales of needles as an important tool in fighting HIV/AIDS and other disease. District Attorneys Coakley, Conley , Keating and Blodgett all support this measure.
- Every day that this bill is not passed, 17 people become infected with HIV or hepatitis C through dirty needles. This bill will save lives and money.
STEP 4: I’m REALLY nervous.
If you've never called your Rep before and you don’t know what to expect, look at these tips:
How do I tell them why I’m calling?
Tell the person answering the phone that you are a constituent of the Rep and that you would like to talk with him/her about an important bill.
Then What do I do?
Take a deep breath! You may get to speak directly to the Rep or an aide. Don't be worried if you get an aide - they will communicate your information to the Rep - that is their job.
But I’m not an expert!
Relax. Chances are you know more about this subject than the legislator or staff. The talking points above will help you as you tell the Rep why you want him/her to support this bill. You are educating him/her about your opinion on this topic.
But what if they ask me a question I don't know the answer for?
Admit you don’t know, it's okay. Don't make up an answer. Offer to check on it and that you will get back to the legislator. Contact Deb at 617.450.1315 or Larry at 617.450.1533 and we'll help you get the information you are looking for.
What if we disagree?
Be polite. You may disagree, that's okay. Your legislator may need time to make up his or her mind or see more material. The important thing is to explain your point of view, answer whatever questions you can, and keep the lines of communication open.
Try to Remember to ASK THEIR POSITION: It will make them feel good that you are willing to listen, and most importantly, it will give you valuable information on where they are on this issue and how you can affect their vote.
Offer to send printed material. Campaign materials are available on line by clicking here or by calling us at 617.450.1533. We can send you as many campaign packets as you would like.
Say “Thank you”. Thank your legislator for his or her time, even if the outcome of the discussion wasn’t what you wanted. Follow up with a thank you letter. If you find out later that your legislator has acted as you requested, a follow-up letter or phone call will let him or her know that you appreciate his or her responsiveness. | 
