ASTCT Advocacy

• NIH is the largest public-health funder for clinical trials, which our patients rely on for treatment options.  
• Cuts to NIH would stall progress, waste years of investment—both financial and scientific, and delay cures that are within reach.  
• Reduced research funding would enable foreign research to outpace America as the leader in science and healthcare innovation.  
• Ask: Increase NIH funding by $400 million in FY26 and protect NIH institutions and its grant structure. 

• Kids with blood cancers need treatment that is only available at certain centers. 
• In 15 states without a pediatric transplant center, out-of-state doctors must enroll in the patient's home-state Medicaid or CHIP program—a months-long process. 
• This bill would fast-track enrollment so that children in need of care receive treatment faster 
• Ask: Cosponsor S. 752/H.R. 1509, a bipartisan solution that removes regulatory burdens that prevent children from receiving time-critical care. 

• H.R. 5160, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act, would reauthorize the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program (CWBYTP), which expires at the end of 2026. 
• The CWBYTP connects patients with unrelated bone marrow/cord blood donors.  
• The program is designed for the 75 percent of patients in need of a transplant lack a family donor. 
• The CWBYTP coordinates across multiple federal agencies involved in facilitating unrelated bone marrow and cord blood donations.  
• Program stats: The CWBYTP has saved over 140,000 lives by facilitating unrelated transplants—including nearly 8,000 lives in 2024. 
• Ask: Reauthorize the CWBYTP to ensure that all patients who need a marrow or cord blood transplant have access to a donor. 

Picking up the phone and calling your U.S. Senators’ and Representatives’ Washington, D.C. offices are great ways to ensure that your voice is heard by your elected officials. Call your Congressional delegation’s Washington, D.C. offices using the phone numbers provided in the House and Senate directories. You'll connect with a staff member responsible for recording constituent requests. Keep your calls concise, focused and courteous. 

Sending an email is still one of the most effective ways to contact your Members of Congress; and doing so has never been easier thanks to ASTCT's online advocacy platform.

Step 1. View ASTCT's current campaign.

Step 2. Enter your contact information.

Step 3. Personalize your message (optional).

Step 4. Send your email!

Social media has changed the way the public communicates with policymakers. Studies show that social media posts from constituents can influence a lawmaker’s actions on a particular issue.

All Members of Congress have social media accounts, and most offices have designated staff member to handle social media. Visit the websites of your Representatives and Senators to find their social media handles. 

In-person and virtual meetings with your Congressional delegation’s Washington, D.C. offices are one of the most effective ways of letting a public official know about you, your priorities and ASTCT. Contact Molly Ford, ASTCT’s Director of Government and Payer Relations, to set up a meeting with your elected officials. ASTCT will take care of scheduling your meetings and preparing you for your meeting. As ASTCT increases its presence on Capitol Hill and looks to its members to get involved in this effort. If you have plans to travel to the Washington, D.C. area at any time, contact Molly Ford to arrange some Hill visits while you’re in town. 

Attending a Town Hall meeting or other event when members of your Congressional delegation are back in the state or district is a great way to engage on ASTCT issues and priorities. Lawmakers use Congressional recesses to connect with as many constituents as possible and want to know what they need to do to earn your vote. Additionally, it is a great way to make a connection as a community member. 

Download and use the 2025 ASTCT Hill Day palm card to quickly reference current key talking points for ASTCT policy asks and advocacy initiatives. Take this resource with you when you meet with your Congressional representatives or attend a town hall.