Advocacy Resources

Legislators need to hear real-life stories to understand the impact of these cuts. Families, physicians, and researchers have a front row seat to share their own compelling stories. Use the template below to send an email or letter to your representatives in Congress. Include the PSDP infographic.

 

Follow These Steps to Reach Members of Congress

Write to Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, Chair of HELP Committee (Health, Education, Labor & Pensions)

• Email: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/contact/get-in-touch/
• Mailing Address:

455 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

 

Write to Your Senators and Representative

• Find who represents you.
• Our goal is to flood offices with letters and postcards. You can follow up on your mail with a phone call to the S. Capitol Switchboard and an operator can connect you directly with your member of Congress. 202.224.3121.

 

Tips

• Keep your letter to one page.
• Include the infographic below with your letter.
• Avoid jargon.
• Make it personal.
• Include your name, address, and contact information.
• Note that these are your own views rather than those of your employer.
• Use personal email address, not work email.

 

 

Writing a letter to Congress has some unique advantages over postcards or emails:

1. More Detailed & Persuasive – A letter allows for a deeper explanation of the issue, including personal stories and data that strengthen your argument.
2. Shows Commitment – A physical letter requires effort, making it more impactful than an email or social media post. Lawmakers take well-written, personalized letters more seriously.
3. More Likely to Reach Policy Staff – Letters often get routed to legislative aides, who brief lawmakers on key issues. A compelling letter can influence policy discussions.
4. Formal & Professional – Letters demonstrate seriousness and professionalism, making them effective for advocacy groups, professionals, and coalitions.
5. Can Include Supporting Materials – Unlike a postcard, you can include fact sheets or photos to reinforce your message.

Correct Address Format for Letters

Senate:

The Honorable __________________________
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator ___________________________,

 

House:

The Honorable __________________________
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Representative ______________________,

Sample Letter for Legislators (Perfect stamps for this!)

 

Subject: Urgent Action Needed—Restore Funding for Pediatric Research

Dear [Senator/Representative Name],

I am writing to express my fear and concern over the abrupt termination of funding for the Pediatric Scientist Development Program (PSDP), a program that has trained over 270 physician-scientists and fueled life-saving discoveries in pediatric cancer and chronic diseases like cystic fibrosis. I urge you to advocate for the immediate reinstatement of PSDP funding. Our children deserve the best medical minds focused on their health. Without this critical program, we risk losing a generation of pediatric researchers whose work could shape the future of children’s health. And most importantly, we are jeopardizing the health of innocent children who just want a chance to grow up.

[Add a few sentences of your personal story here]

On March 21, 2025, the NICHD terminated PSDP’s long-standing K12 grant, citing diversity recruitment strategies that were both required and recommended by peer reviewers. Incidentally, Dr. Diana Bianchi, director of NICHD, was also just terminated this week. This threatens the already fragile pipeline of pediatrician-scientists, undermining efforts to advance treatments for children with rare and complex diseases.

Please stand with families, researchers, and child health advocates in restoring this essential program. I look forward to your response and to seeing your leadership on this issue.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information – email and phone number]

Children who have benefited from pediatric research have a unique perspective and voice to share their stories. Whether they are thriving because of treatments developed by PSDP graduates or hoping for future medical breakthroughs, their voices are powerful and serve as a testament to why physicians-scientists embark on this life-changing work.

 

 

Sample Letter from Children

Dear [Senator/Representative Name],

My name is [Child’s Name], and I am [Age] years old. I was born with [Condition, e.g., cystic fibrosis, a rare disease, a heart condition], and thanks to research, I have been able to [share a personal outcome, e.g., play soccer, go to school, enjoy time with my family].

The doctors and scientists who help kids like me need programs like PSDP to learn how to find cures and treatments. But this program just lost its funding, and that makes me sad and worried for other kids who still need help.

Please bring back PSDP so more doctors can find ways to help kids like me grow up to live happy and healthy lives.

Thank you for listening.

Sincerely,

[Child’s Name]

PSDP Advocacy Appeal

PSDP Infographic

PSDP Fact Sheet

PSDP Social Media Dissemination