Submitted by Mike Sokoloski, Grassroots Manager (GAO)
Less than a week after the PA Ambassador Training, Mechanicsburg Pediatrics (MBP) Client Services Manager Candice Proctor made it clear that she was going to be at the forefront of our grassroots advocacy charge throughout the Commonwealth. Candice reached out to State 
Representatives Rothman and Mehaffie and had her first legislative visit scheduled with State Rep. Mehaffie two weeks to the day following our training.
During the visit, Candice spoke to Pennsylvania’s pressing issues for BAYADA: an increase in the PAS rate and Equalized Access for constituents of the Representative looking for Home Care as an alternative to long-term institutionalized care. As a follow-up, Candice invited him to attend a home visit in his district.
Rep. Rothman was a guest speaker at our PA Ambassador training. Candice took her advocacy efforts to the next level with this particular opportunity, having the Representative join her on a home visit! During the home visit Representative Rothman met Sophia, one the MBP office’s longtime clients. The visit was a success!. Not only does Representative Rothman now have a greater understand of the wide breadth of home care, but it has also affected him personally. Rep. Rothman said, “Sophia’s personality profoundly impacted me…It was an important visit.”
Recently, Candice was able to attend a House Democratic Caucus Meet & Greet in Harrisburg. She was able to advocate and network with the Democratic leadership team and get an idea of how they work collaboratively with all interested parties, stakeholders, and constituents to help move Pennsylvania forward. Candice hasn’t slowed down. She is currently working with clients and families to participate in upcoming Advocacy Days in Harrisburg.
None of this would have been possible without the help and support of her office director Kim Auchey and the entire MBP team. Advocacy is a group effort that is clearly alive and well in the MBP office! Thank you for your support and commitment to advocacy at BAYADA.
