To provide the opportunity for students to practice influencing policy by communicating with a legislator about a current health problem. (1 Page letter) Instructions: 1. Select a current health problem that is being debated at the national and/or state level. (Lack of resources for Mental Health) 2. Identify a legislator (state or federal) and state why that person is the appropriate one to contact. 3. Draft a letter to the legislator including the proper salutation. 4. Introduce yourself and your reason for writing. 5. State concisely what you understand to be the current socioeconomic, political, and ethical issues surrounding the problem. 6. Discuss the implications of the problem for nursing or nursing practice. 7. Make a clear request for action. 8. Request a response.