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Dear HealthAdvocateX Community,

Happy New Year!  


I love the fresh start of the New Year …. A time of possibilities about what may lay ahead.  I am feeling hopeful, positive, happy to see what will be coming this year.  It feels like years since I have been so hopeful and one of the reasons is that I have been really investing in what I am thinking about.   

 

Last November, I took a five week, 2-hour live virtual class, ‘Getting Well in an Unwell World: Walking Buddha’s Path,’ offered by New York Insight and it changed my life.  It was a rich opportunity to read texts, hear a teaching, meditate and engage in thoughtful conversation with others I did not know from around the world about these ancient teachings.  One of the most helpful results is that I feel so much less stressed to situations that I cannot control.  And I have realized that the majority of stuff in life I cannot control.  It might seem counter-intuitive but this letting go has helped me focus on what I can control in my life and to be more thoughtful of my choices of where to put my attention. 

 

As we enter 2025, I hope you will continue to take advantage of the wonderful content and events that focus on creating better health and health care through health advocacy strategies.  I am proud of the programs we offer and so grateful to our community for contributing to help others navigating some of the toughest aspects of life:  keeping, regaining or building our health! 

 

Here is wishing you good health in body and mind for the year ahead, 

 

Robin Shapiro and the Team at HealthAdvocateX 


Upcoming Events

 Jan 8 – VSED and Dementia Case Review

REGISTER HERE

When: Jan 08, 2025 | 4-5:30 PM (PT)

Where: Online via Zoom (Register Here)

Cost: $20 for Members, $40 for Non-Member Professionals


This case will explore the Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking (VSED) process from beginning to end for a person with Dementia. The presenter will take you through the protocol and how the window of opportunity, roadblocks, family dynamics, location, care support, and emotional wellbeing all play an intricate role in the process. This case review will highlight the learnings through multiple cases.


Learning Objectives:

1) VSED 101, understand the concept and how to offer support

2) How to determine if the client has missed the window of opportunity and what resources to provide if VSED isn’t an option.

3) How to prepare yourself, your team, and the loved ones that surround the client during their VSED process.

This event is available for 1.0 ETHICS BCPA CE at $20 for HealthAdvocateX members and $40 for non-members.



About The Speaker:

Crystal Cannon Flores is a Death Doula and Founder of the Grateful Deathâ, an organization that offers care, comfort and coaching for a meaningful end of life experience. In 2015, Crystal found her calling when she met death unexpectedly and intimately. She wasn’t exploring end-of-life careers but the work found her and she’s never looked back. Today, she dedicates her life to empowering and educating families to bring the human experience back to the bedside and coaching those with a shared vision to serve their community. Her mission is to disarm fear surrounding death and honor the process through educational workshops, mentorship, volunteering, retreats, creative expression classes and doula care.

Jan 13 – Community Conversation: Falls and How to Prevent Them


REGISTER HERE

When: Jan 13, 2025 | 11am-12pm (PT)

Where: Online via Zoom (Register Here)

Cost: $15 for HealthAdvocateX Members; $30 for Non-Members earning credit. Free for the general public.


Join us for a community conversation on fall prevention, designed to raise awareness about the risks and prevalence of falls, particularly among vulnerable groups.


Learning Objectives: 

1)   Understanding the risks and prevalence of falls

2)  Identify Prevention techniques for patients at risk for falls

3)   Identify resources and tools for fall prevention at home and in care facilities


You can earn 1.0 BCPA CE for this conversation.


About The Speaker:

Eva Fletcher MS, PT

With 30 years of experience as a physical therapist in acute care neurology inpatient settings, I’ve had the privilege of supporting patients through complex recovery processes. Throughout my career, I’ve also been a passionate healthcare advocate, working to improve patient outcomes and access to care. Recently, I shifted my focus to advocacy for individuals with complex medical needs, helping them navigate the often overwhelming healthcare system, shifting away from direct patient care. This transition has been both fulfilling and meaningful, allowing me to make a direct impact on the lives of patients who face challenges in managing their care and accessing the resources they need.

Jan 16Networking: What is Holding You Back?


REGISTER HERE

When: Jan 16, 2025 | 2-3pm (PT)

Where: Online via Zoom (Register Here)

Cost: Free for Members, $15 for Non-Member Professionals

Open and engaging discussion on key strategies to get started and keep going to grow your independent patient advocacy business. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about key components from other independent patient advocates utilized for their business growth.


Learning Objectives: 

1) Consider how to prioritize personal development strategies to enhance skills and capabilities crucial for future business growth.

2)  Participants will explore practical techniques for scaling their business, including leveraging networking opportunities, optimizing resource allocation, and adopting innovative practices.

3) Attendees will cultivate meaningful connections with like-minded entrepreneurs and industry professionals, fostering collaboration and mutual support to overcome challenges and drive growth.

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

Deidra Kindred, 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.

Feb 10Community Conversation: Medical Gaslighting: How to Extinguish the Flames as a Health Advocate


REGISTER HERE

When: Feb 10, 2025 | 11am-12pm (PT)

Where: Online via Zoom (Register Here)

Cost: Free to the Public to Attend (with pre-registration); BCPA CE is $10 for HealthAdvocateX Members and $30 for Non-Members.



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



About The Speaker:



Dr. Nicole T. Rochester is a pediatrician, TEDx and keynote speaker, and the CEO of Your GPS Doc, LLC, a healthcare advocacy and consulting company committed to eliminating health disparities and bridging the gap between healthcare providers, patients, and family caregivers. She was inspired to start her company after caring for her late father and witnessing the complicated healthcare system from the other side of the stethoscope. 


Dr. Rochester has an active presence on social media and has contributed to numerous digital publications. She is a dynamic and engaging nationally recognized speaker who connects deeply with her audiences when presenting about navigating the healthcare system, elevating the patient and family caregiver voice, diversity, equity and inclusion in the healthcare workforce, and eliminating health inequities. 


Dr. Rochester obtained her undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University, her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the George Washington University School of Medicine. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Medical Association, the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates, HealthAdvocateX and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Most importantly, she is the proud mother of two young adult daughters. 

Trauma-Informed XCENTER is Now Available On-Demand

(5 J.E.D.I./ETHICS BCPA CEs) or Free to the Public 


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). 


Welcome New 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.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Statement


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. 



Land Acknowledgement


HealthAdvocateX 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





Do you have something you would like to share with the HealthAdvocateX community?

Please submit ideas to info@HealthAdvocateX.org
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