Dear ,

One of the most frustrating things I hear is this: "I had no idea patient advocates existed."

These words come from people who desperately needed us. From families struggling through healthcare crises who could have had support. From individuals making impossible decisions alone when they could have had someone in their corner. The advocacy community was ready to help, but they never knew we were there.

This month, I want to talk about changing that. Not through flashy marketing or hard sells, but through something far more powerful: genuine collaboration and relationship-building with the communities around us.

Think about who your clients are and where they spend their time before they find us. They're in support groups for specific conditions. They're connected to nonprofits serving their communities. They're part of faith communities, civic organizations, workplaces, and local groups. These organizations have staff and volunteers who see struggling individuals every single day. They hear the concerns. They witness the gaps in care. But they might not know there's a patient advocate down the street who could help fill those gaps. That's where we come in.

Collaboration starts with listening.

Instead of walking into a community organization with a pitch, walk in with genuine curiosity. Ask them: What keeps you up at night about the people you serve? What barriers do you see them facing? Where do you feel like you're hitting a wall? What would make your job easier or more effective?

You might be surprised by what you learn. A social worker might tell you about clients who are trapped by insurance denials. A nurse case manager might describe the exhaustion of trying to coordinate care with no real support. A nonprofit director might share how many of their clients struggle with healthcare navigation alongside their primary challenges.

These conversations aren't transactional. You're not there to close a deal or sign them up for a service. You're there to understand, to connect, and to say: "I hear you. We can help with that."

Collaboration benefits everyone.

Here's the beautiful truth: when you build these relationships authentically, everyone wins. Your community partner gets a resource they can trust and recommend. Their clients get access to support they didn't know existed. You build a network of people who understand the landscape and will think of you when someone needs help.

And something else happens too, you're not alone anymore. These relationships also create a web of support for advocates. You have people to call when you need information or a resource. You have colleagues who understand the work. You have a community that reminds you why this matters.

Start small and start now.

You don't need a big budget or fancy materials. You need a genuine desire to connect and a willingness to show up. Here's what that might look like:

• Identify three organizations in your area whose mission aligns with or serves populations that might benefit from advocacy.
• Reach out to someone there. Call, email, or visit in person. Say you'd like to learn more about their work and the challenges their clients face.
• Listen more than you talk. Ask real questions. Let them tell their story.
• Offer one concrete way you could help. It might be as simple as connecting them with resources, offering a short educational session, or being a resource they can call when questions arise.
• Follow through. Consistency matters. Show up. Stay in touch. Build a real relationship.

Over time, these connections transform into something powerful. You become part of a community safety net. People know to call you. Organizations recommend you. And most importantly, patients and families who need you finally know you exist.

We can do better.

I think about all the individuals out there struggling, living with the belief that they have to figure this out alone. That's not acceptable. We have the knowledge, the skills, and the compassion to help, but only if people know we're here.

This month, I'm asking each of you to reach out to at least one organization in your area. Not with a sales pitch, but with genuine interest and support. Ask them what they need. Let them know what we do. Plant a seed for collaboration.

Our clients deserve to know we exist. And honestly? We deserve the support and community that comes from building networks with people who understand this work.

Together, we can make sure no one has to navigate healthcare alone.

With gratitude and encouragement,

Malynnda Stewart, 

Chair, HealthAdvocateX

P.S. We'd love to hear about your outreach efforts. What organizations are you connecting with? What conversations are you having? Send me a message or reply to this newsletter; your stories might inspire others to do the same.

Upcoming Events

July 13 Community Conversation - The Missing Piece of Healthcare: Why Oral Health Matters

REGISTER HERE

When: Jul 13, 2026 | 11 AM–12 PM Pacific Time | 1–2 PM Central | 2–3 PM Eastern

Where: Online via Zoom

Cost: Free to the general public. Purchase 1.0 CE Credit for $10 for HealthAdvocateX Members; $30 for Non-Members.



Oral health is often treated separately from the rest of healthcare, despite its significant impact on overall health and quality of life. This presentation will explore the relationship between oral health and common medical conditions seen in older adults, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and medication-related dry mouth. Participants will learn how to recognize potential oral health concerns, understand when dental issues may be contributing to broader health challenges, and identify opportunities for advocacy and appropriate referral.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify at least three systemic health conditions that may be affected by oral health status in older adults.
2. Recognize common signs and symptoms of oral health problems that may warrant further evaluation or referral.
3. Describe the advocate’s role in supporting communication, care coordination, and access to appropriate dental resources as part of whole person care.

About The Speaker –

Marissa Brubaker, BCPA, RDH, is a Board-Certified Patient Advocate and Registered Dental Hygienist with nearly two decades of experience spanning clinical dentistry, senior care, insurance, and patient advocacy. She is the founder of Dental Advocacy Support Services, an independent advocacy practice based in southern New Hampshire.

Marissa has worked in private practice, mobile dentistry, Medicare-focused programs, and advocacy settings, helping individuals and families navigate complex dental decisions. Her work focuses on improving understanding of treatment options, addressing insurance and financial concerns, and supporting informed decision-making. She has a particular interest in older adults, cognitive decline, and the challenges families face when coordinating healthcare across multiple providers.

Drawing on both clinical and advocacy experience, Marissa emphasizes the connection between oral health and overall health and works to help patients, caregivers, and professionals recognize when dental issues may be contributing to broader health concerns.



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

Community Conversation: Let’s Talk Colorectal Cancer: Risks, Screening, and What’s Changing

ACCESS HERE

Join us for an engaging and interactive community conversation focused on colorectal cancer and its growing impact on individuals and families—particularly the concerning rise in diagnoses among younger adults. Topics will include modifiable and non‑modifiable risk factors, the range of colorectal cancer screening options, and why early detection matters. We will also explore persistent disparities in colorectal cancer outcomes and how access, awareness, and structural inequities affect prevention and screening—especially in under‑resourced communities.



Learning Objectives:

• Describe current trends in colorectal cancer, including the rise in cases among younger adults, and identify both modifiable (e.g., lifestyle-related) and non‑modifiable risk factors.
• Recognize and compare colorectal cancer screening options, including who should be screened, when screening should start, and how different methods support early detection.
• Understand disparities in colorectal cancer prevention and outcomes, and discuss ways community education, advocacy, and systems-level changes can help advance health equity.

Explore Our Online Classroom

Did you miss one of our past events? Our online classroom is always open! Browse all courses available purchase with BCPA CE credit. 

Partner Highlight: National Dental Advocacy Program

We’re proud to spotlight National Dental Advocacy Program (NDAP) as a partner organization. The National Dental Advocacy Program (NDAP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging gaps in access to oral healthcare through patient advocacy, healthcare navigation, insurance education, and community outreach — especially for seniors, medically complex patients, individuals with disabilities, and underserved communities. Learn more about their mission and resources at nationaldentaladvocacy.org.

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.