Dear HealthAdvocateX Community,

I am looking at each day and trying to maintain hope in the face of fast changes in our world that I cannot control. Friends, family members or kids of friends are seriously ill or struggling daily. In a time when life feels and actually may be unpredictable and definitely challenging, I prod myself to actively engage in finding inspiration, doing activities that bring me joy, intentionally manage my thoughts and identifying what actions I can take to contribute positively TODAY. Here are some of the things I am doing right now:

• I am spending some time every day outside. The cherry blossoms are particularly beautiful in the Pacific Northwest this week. When I walk I try to really focus on the new flowers that are emerging each day.
• I am in touch with my family and friends and try to spend part of every week visiting (virtually or in person).
• Since 2020, I participate in a weekly guided meditation with Brad Lichtenstein at The Breathspace where we practice breathing, loving kindness meditation and a whole lot of other practices that focus on this moment.
• I listen to awe-inspiring content – right now I am listening to the Telepathy Tapes, where documentarian Ky Dickens unfolds how non-speakers with autism apply telepathy in their lives – fascinating and interesting potential application for speaking people to tap into universal consciousness.
• I am learning to play the ukelele – I have never done anything musical but it is hard and fun for my brain to try something totally new
• I listen to health programs that identify how to manage stress, like our ANGST Screening and Virtual Panel last week!

When stress and anxiety are high, navigating healthcare is more challenging. What are YOU doing to manage? Let us know at info@healthadvocatex.org.

Here’s wishing you good health!

Robin Shapiro and the Team at HealthAdvocateX 

Member News & Announcements

^{Now Accepting Nominations to Join the HealthAdvocateX Board}

Our volunteer Board of Directors steers the strategic direction of HealthAdvocateX, helps plan our virtual events and leverage our collective connections to help improve education and access for people who want to improve their navigation of the healthcare system.

Over our 13 years of operation, we have reached thousands of people with our timely, actionable and credible programs and support for patients and families. We are a small, dynamic group that meets monthly, virtually and participates in committees.

In 2022, ten years after our founding, we began to start our succession planning as long-time board members serving on HealthAdvocateX (formerly the Washington State Health Advocacy Association) have been rotating off their planned terms.

We have at least three open Board Positions that we will be recruiting for to start in June 2025.

We seek a diverse Board Member candidates:

• We are looking for the following backgrounds/experience: Marketing, Technology, Legal, Finance, Sales, Development, Member Experience
• Geographic priority for West and East coast candidates
• Our hope is that through recruitment of additional Board Members, we will continue to advance our commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access values

IMPORTANT DATES/INFORMATION

• Deadline to apply is April 30, 2025 to info@healthadvocatex.org
• Submit your resume and this Prospective HealthAdvocateX Talent Scout 
• Interviews are May 12-16, 2025 via Calendarly here

Board Expectations and More Information Can Be Found Here.

Upcoming Events

April 14 – Community Conversation: Navigating the Autism Journey: from Diagnosis to Growth and Beyond

REGISTER HERE

When: Apr 14, 2025 | 11am – 12pm (PT)

Where: Online via Zoom

Cost: FREE! Also available for 1.0 BCPA CE

This Community Conversation will provide families, educators, and professionals with a guide to understanding and supporting individuals with autism from the moment of diagnosis through the various stages of life. Attendees will learn practical strategies to help navigate the challenges and celebrate the milestones of the autism journey, focusing on early intervention, effective therapies, and fostering personal growth. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with tools to foster long-term success and well-being for individuals on the autism spectrum. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the Autism Diagnosis Process: Gain insight into the steps and considerations involved in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including the role of early identification and its impact on future outcomes. 
2. Explore Effective Strategies for Early Intervention and Support: Learn about evidence-based therapies, educational practices, and family-centered approaches that promote growth and skill development in children with autism. 
3. Prepare for Transitions and Long-Term Success: Discover key strategies to support individuals with autism through various life stages, including adolescence, adulthood, and independence, ensuring their continued growth and integration into society.

About The Speaker:

Lani Reilly, OTR/L is deeply committed to advancing patient access to healthcare. As a Pediatric Occupational Therapist with years of experience supporting children and families, Lani has always been driven by a passion for improving quality of life through individualized care. Her journey expanded into healthcare technology, where she now serves as the Vice President of Patient Access at the Digital Therapeutics Alliance. In this role, she collaborates with stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem to break down barriers to accessing innovative, evidence-based digital therapeutics.

Lani’s dedication to patient access stems from her belief in equitable healthcare for all. She has contributed to initiatives that enhance pathways for reimbursement, empower providers, and ensure patients can benefit from emerging therapeutic technologies. Her multifaceted career also includes volunteering as a board member for the Fenixia Foundation, where she supports global efforts to provide therapy services to underserved populations.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Lani is a proud mom of two young adult sons. She finds joy in traveling, hiking, fostering dogs, and immersing herself in a good book.

^{April 24th - Networking Event: So you want to be an advocate? Come ask a board member anything}

REGISTER HERE

When: Apr 24, 2025 | 4-5:30 pm (PT)

Where: Online via Zoom 

Cost: Free for members, $15.00 non-members



Independent patient advocacy is a growing field focused on helping individuals navigate the complexities of healthcare. Come and ask some experienced advocates anything about how they work directly with patients and their families to ensure they understand medical information, access necessary resources, and have their voices heard in care decisions. If you’re passionate about empowering others and making a difference in healthcare, becoming an advocate could be a rewarding and impactful path. Join us as we discuss our wonderful field.

Learning Objectives:

1)  Gain insight from experienced advocates about their business

2)  Learn effective strategies for your business

3)  Build confidence in strengthening collaborative networks and navigating challenges



No CEs for this Activity. This event is live and will not be available on-demand after.

About The Speaker:

Deidra A. Kindred RN, BSN, LNC, CCM, BCPA, a Texas Woman’s University nursing graduate of 2001, brings over 15 years of expertise in Cardiovascular Intensive Care and a rich background as a former Affordable Assisted Living & Services owner, 5+ years in home health nursing, 3+ years in home care infusion nursing, and 3 years as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant. Today, she proudly owns and leads Your Health Care Nurse Advocates, PLLC. Deidra’s inspiring journey is marked by her dedication to educating individuals and families, empowering them to make informed choices. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is a passionate foodie and avid traveler who cherishes moments with loved ones.



IN CASE YOU MISSED IT – FABULOUS CONTENT STILL AVAILABLE THROUGH OUR ON-DEMAND/ CLASSROOM 

Trauma-Informed XCENTER is Now Available On-Demand

REGISTER HERE

XCenter Series November 2024 

Trauma-Informed Care XCenter 5-Session Bundle 

When: Nov 13, 2024 - Nov 12, 2026 | 4pm-5:30pm (PT) 

Where: On-Demand 

Cost: FREE! Also available for 5.0 BCPA CE 

Join us for a deep dive into trauma-informed practices and strategies to enhance your care skills. Learn from experts in the field and connect with like-minded individuals in this virtual gathering. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, therapist, educator, or simply interested in the topic, this event is perfect for anyone looking to expand their knowledge.  

BCPA Type of CE Applying For: 

5.0 Ethics/J.E.D.I. BCPA CE 

This XCenter is FREE to attend for the general public. It is also available for 5.0 BCPA CE for $125 (HealthAdvocateX members) and $200 (non-members). 

Medical Gaslighting: How to Extinguish the Flames as a Health Advocate 



ACCESS HERE



Medical gaslighting is a form of manipulation by healthcare providers in which patients are made to doubt their symptoms, experiences, or feelings. It contributes to delayed diagnosis, medical mistrust and poor outcomes and occurs more commonly among women, racial and ethnic minorities, and other marginalized patient groups. Independent health advocates can play a role in identifying and mitigating medical gaslighting. 

Learning Objectives: 

1) Define and recognize medical gaslighting 

2) Understand the impact of medical gaslighting on patients and families 

3) Utilize a framework for preventing and mitigating medical gaslighting 

Available for 1.0 BCPA CE credit (General) 

About the Speaker

OTHER EVENTS AND INFORMATION WE THINK YOU WILL ENJOY 

^{For more information or to register, go to:}

https://www.mahealthcareadvocates.org/2025mahcasymposium

Guiding Future Advocates: A Student Panel at Sarah Lawrence College

On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, students in Sarah Lawrence College’s Patient Advocacy Master’s Program had the opportunity to engage with two experienced advocates, Melina Oien, BCPA and Malynnda Stewart PhD, BCPA, in an intimate and insightful panel discussion. The event provided a valuable space for students to hear first-hand about the realities of working in patient advocacy, as well as gain practical advice on how to navigate their future careers in the field. The discussion covered a range of critical topics, including the personal journeys that led the panelists to advocacy, strategies for self-care and burnout prevention, how to help patients through difficult diagnoses and conversations, and where to look for job opportunities in patient advocacy.

Both Oien and Stewart shared how they arrived at patient advocacy, highlighting the different paths that can lead to this vital profession. While some advocates enter the field through personal experiences—either their own or those of a loved one—others transition from backgrounds in healthcare, social work, or legal services. One of the key takeaways from this portion of the discussion was that there is no single route to becoming a patient advocate. What matters most is a strong commitment to ensuring that patients receive the support and guidance they need.

Students were encouraged to approach their work with compassion not only for their patients but also for themselves, ensuring they have the resilience to continue advocating effectively.

One of the most challenging aspects of patient advocacy is helping individuals and families navigate life-altering diagnoses and complex healthcare decisions. Oien and Stewart shared techniques for having difficult conversations with patients, including:

• Active listening to ensure patients feel heard and understood
• Simplifying medical jargon to make information more accessible
• Encouraging patient autonomy and helping them feel empowered in their decisions
• Providing emotional support while respecting a patient’s need to process information at their own pace

The panelists emphasized that patient advocates often serve as bridges between patients, families, and medical professionals, ensuring that individuals receive the information and support they need to make informed choices about their care.

THANK YOU HealthAdvocateX Sponsor - GetCoPayHelp.Com

GetCopayHelp.com is transforming the way patients access high-cost medications, making it faster and more affordable than ever. Founded by a team with years of experience in helping patients manage the high costs of essential treatments, GetCopayHelp operates with a clear mission: cost should never prevent patients from getting the care they need.

While many financial assistance programs exist, patients often aren’t aware of them. Additionally, the volume of paperwork can be overwhelming for patients, advocates, and providers alike. That’s where GetCopayHelp comes in. They’ve developed the industry’s first solution that instantly identifies specific assistance programs tailored to each patient’s insurance and income status, seamlessly handling the enrollment process.

By taking on the complex task of managing prescription financial assistance, GetCopayHelp frees patient advocates to focus on what you do best, providing direct care and guidance.

Visit GetCopayHelp.com to learn more about how to lighten the stress of paperwork while making it easier for your patients to access the medications they need.

OUR COMMITMENT

Approved by the Board September 21, 2022

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Statement

Our mission is to help people transform into active participants and partners in their own health care. To make this possible, we must advocate for inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) for all individuals.

We recognize that:

• Racism is a public health issue that impacts various intersections and communities differently.
• Each person is unique and therefore experiences health care differently.
• Every individual deserves health advocacy regardless of their race, ethnicity, language, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, spiritual practice, financial status, education, geography, disability, mental and physical status, age, weight, substance use disorder or other factors. 
• Our organization is uniquely positioned to raise awareness on IDEA in health and health care.

We are committed to:

• Raising awareness about the importance of IDEA in health and health advocacy in all aspects of care.
• Expanding diverse representation within our organization, expert presenters, and educational offerings.
• Intentionally messaging our values, sharing IDEA expectations for ourselves, affiliated advocates, and partnering groups.
• Creating space for respectful dialogue about representation, equitable access, and inclusive practices in health care and health advocacy.
• Educating our community and participating in opportunities about IDEA events and exercises to keep these issues in the forefront of our work.
• Implementing systems to ensure IDEA is pervasive in our organization.

We will reflect on our accomplishments with humility and grace. We will recognize our limitations and remain open to what we may not see or realize so that we can improve and or repair any harm. 



HealthAdvocate^X is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. We acknowledge that we are on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish, Suquamish, Stillaguamish, and Muckleshoot People past and present, and honor with gratitude the land itself and each tribe. We invite you to join us in acknowledging and thanking indigenous people for their ongoing stewardship wherever you are located.

Land Acknowledgement Challenge

Will you help us? We invite YOU to research and submit the name of the people, your location and how you would word your own personal land acknowledgement. Our Board will be selecting and reading land acknowledgements from across the country at our Monthly Board Meetings. You can submit it here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/hadvx-land-acknowledgement