Table 1.

Potential policy opportunities and examples of strategies for SBM

Opportunity	Strategy examples
Pursuing annual appropriations process to secure federal investments in behavioral medicine research	Develop new and solidify existing working relationships with members of the Labor–HHS–Education Appropriations Subcommittee
Shaping health care reform	Focus attention on the science of translational behavioral medicine and its potential role in the implementation of health information technology
Weighing in on hot topics	Engage the White House Let’s Move! Initiative by sending a small delegation of SBM leaders to Capitol Hill with expertise in childhood obesity to discuss the Society’s role in the initiative.
Advancing and crafting legislation	Conduct an annual survey of legislation introduced, but not enacted, that could be supported by the Society
Leveraging constituent relationships to influence policy	Invite members of Congress to visit locations within his/her state to see how evidence-based behavioral interventions can improve health and reduce health care costs
Enhancing SBM’s national visibility	Build strong working relationships with key legislators and educate them about the benefits of behavioral medicine research and its translation into policy
Forging strategic alliances with like-minded organizations	Engage other organizations that would strengthen the impact of SBM’s message
Engaging with state-level leadership	Be aware of changes in state government and engage new governors and their staff when they are seeking input, advice, and counsel in health policy decisions