Students Amplify Their Voices in Healthcare Policy Advocacy

On January 16, four Seton Hall University students Megan Lloren, Abil Hamded, Sukaina Jacquet and Mabel (KK) Madu along with Seton Hall Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC) Pre-Law Advisor, Madelyn Ferrans and Laura Wardell of New Jersey Citizen Action, traveled to the District 11C congressional office in Livingston, New Jersey. 

This visit followed the "Hope for the Holidays" event organized by the Pre-Professional Advising Center (PPAC) and HOSA – Future Health Professionals which included an advocacy component in which the pre-professional community including pre-law and pre-health students researched healthcare policy issues, created advocacy packets and drafted postcards calling for reforms to be addressed at both the federal and state levels. The postcards were intended for former District 11 Representative and now Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill.

Under Wardell’s guidance, these students prepared a presentation about healthcare affordability and why it held personal significance to them. They learned how to communicate real-world legislative concerns, gaining confidence in presenting policy priorities beyond the classroom.

Sukaina Jacquet, president of Minority Pre-Law Society, found the experience especially impactful. She notes: “I realized today that the path to public service isn’t linear or straightforward; it’s built through moments of courage, conversation and care.”

At the District 11 office currently operating while the congressional seat remains vacant two congressional aides met with the group and invited the students into a meeting space, where each student presented a statement on a specific healthcare policy issue. The legislative aides listened attentively, took notes on the students’ requests and engaged thoughtfully with their perspectives. They also encouraged the students’ continued civic engagement, and shared information about internship opportunities. The visit concluded with a discussion of next steps, including following up with the office and continuing this advocacy work through future initiatives.  

Students interested in further engaging in healthcare advocacy and law are invited to participate in the “Policy Pulse” Competition, with the prize being state recognition and another experiential learning opportunity. Take advantage of this opportunity by joining our Interest Meeting at 6 p.m. on January 29 virtually, found on the Pre-Professional Advising Center Engage or on Instagram @setonhall_ppac. 

Categories: Health and Medicine, Nation and World