Dear ,

I recently was unexpectedly thrust into a hospital setting when a dear friend’s mother had a bad fall that required her to be hospitalized, intubated, put into a coma, while they figured out what the damage might be and how she might heal. My friend and her sibling were far away….it would take planes, trains and automobiles to get back to their mom.

Surprisingly, the situation with their mother was a situation very similar to the fall my mom had that unexpectedly ended her life almost four years ago. I knew that my friend would need to make sure that a non-family member could be in the ICU with her mom. I knew some specific questions to ask because of my personal situation. I was confident that I could communicate clearly and provide the information I learned back to my friend and her sibling.

But it reminded me the difference between a non-medical advocate and an advocate with a medical background that is a professional and how important and helpful that is. Having someone in the room that knows ‘the patient,’ is very, very important. I knew that my friend’s mom, who is in her late 80s would want ALL care possible. She is very healthy. No medicines. But medical professionals might think that she had Do Not Resuscitate directives. It goes to show you that it is VITAL for everyone to make sure they know what care they want (and what care they don’t), to have communicated it and make sure that someone is on hand in an emergency.

This Fall, if you haven’t already, commit to writing it down and communicating your wishes. I recently gave a presentation on Why A HealthCare Proxy Could Be The Most Important Choice in your Life. Let us know if you might be interested in this presentation or resources (including referral to qualified advocates in our Advocate Directory) to be there for you when you need it!

Here’s to your good health!

Robin and the Team at HealthAdvocateX 



Upcoming Events

October 13 – Community Conversation: Measles 2025 Lessons About Vaccine Advocacy

REGISTER HERE

When: Oct 13, 2025 | 11am-12pm (PT)

Where: Online via Zoom (Register Here)

Cost: $10 for HealthAdvocateX Members; $30 for Non-Members earning credit. Free for the general public.

The measles outbreak of 2025 in the US and Canada was the natural result of decades of shifts in views about the value and safety of vaccines. What were some of those factors? When faced with vaccine information/misinformation/skeptism, how health advocates respond matters. Learn the best techniques for building collaboration rather than sowing division when vaccination is the topic (these techniques apply to any vaccine discussion).

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify the five main reasons behind vaccine skepticism.
2. Differentiate when motivational interviewing techniques are helpful in vaccine discussions and when simple answers are enough
3. Determine the best alternative to explaining why the misinformation is wrong, since this technique doesn’t work

About The Speaker:

Molly O’Shea graduated from undergrad and medical school education at the University of Michigan and went on to complete her residency in pediatrics at The Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit. Since then, she has been a practicing pediatrician and independent practice owner in southeast Michigan. She teaches residents and medical students in the office regularly as an adjunct faculty.

October 16 – Case Review: De-Mystifying the ICU

REGISTER HERE

When: Oct 16, 2025 | 4 - 5:30 pm (PT)

Where: Online via Zoom (Register Here)

Cost: FREE to HealthAdvocateX Professional Members to attend. $15 for HealthAdvocateX Professional Members earning CE Credit; $40 for Professional Non-Members earning credit

Using a case study, the presentation will walk attendees through the course of a client’s ICU admission. We will discuss ICU structure and team dynamics and familiarize attendees with ICU interventions and equipment. We will also discuss common medical and ethical decision-making that occurs in the ICU setting. Finally, we will highlight how patient advocates can optimize their role and effectiveness in coordinating care and communication while navigating a client’s ICU stay.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the key members of an ICU team, their roles, and how they interact with patients, families, and other hospital departments.
2. Recognize common ICU interventions, machines, and terminology to better understand client’s conditions and the implications for advocacy and decision-making.
3. Discuss how advocates can optimize the many “hats” they can wear when having a client in the ICU – medical interpreters, communication facilitators, protector of patient rights, and transition planner.

About The Speaker:



Angie Ingraham, MD, MS, FACS, BCPA, is a Board-Certified Patient Advocate and founder of True North Patient Advocates, LLC. A former trauma, emergency general surgeon, and critical care physician, Angie spent nearly two decades caring for seriously ill patients and conducting research to improve care coordination and communication. She was inspired to launch True North Patient Advocates™ after serving as an advocate for her father, who died of glioblastoma in 2021. Today, she helps individuals, their families, and caregivers navigate the healthcare system with clarity, confidence, and expert guidance. Drawing on both clinical and personal experience, she partners with clients and their healthcare teams to bridge communication gaps, support informed decision-making, and coordinate care across settings. Angie serves on the board of HealthAdvocateX, a national health advocacy non-profit organization, and is a member of the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy and the Alliance for Professional Health Advocates.



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

Community Conversation: The Changing landscape of insurance and what it means to you

ACCESS HERE

Health insurance is constantly evolving, and upcoming changes may significantly impact individuals and families. Join us for an informative session that breaks down the latest trends in health insurance and what they mean for you. We’ll cover options available for individuals both over 65 and under 65, providing practical insights to help you make informed decisions. The session will conclude with a Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask general insurance questions.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Recognize current trends and upcoming changes in health insurance.
2. Understand how shifts in coverage and 2026 pricing may affect individuals and families.
3. Get up-to-date information on Medicare plans and coverage.

Explore Our Online Classroom

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

Other Events and Annoucments

Announcing XCenter: Rare Diseases

Launching November 6, this comprehensive series explores the patient journey, systemic challenges, and strategies for improving rare disease care.

What to expect: 

• Deep dives into patient experiences and systemic barriers 

• Practical strategies for navigating healthcare 

• Insights on equity, collaboration, and advocacy 

• A live panel discussion to tie it all together 

Whether you’re an advocate, provider, patient, or ally, this series is made to inform, inspire, and connect. 

What is a Health Advocate, and who needs one?

Presented by Town Hall Seattle and Northwest Center for Creative Aging.

📍Seattle,WA | 📅 October 6, 2025 | 🏨 In-Person

Join the HealthAdvocateX Board in 2026!

HealthAdvocateX is currently recruiting new members for its national board—help shape the future of health advocacy and join a dynamic, mission-driven governing body! Learn more and apply here

Why Join?

• Collaborate & Lead – Work with a dedicated team of professionals and lived-experience leaders who share your passion.
• Broaden Your Network – Connect with advocates, professionals, and community leaders across the country.
• Make an Impact – Advance access to health advocacy for individuals, families, and communities nationwide.

How to Apply

1. Complete the Prospective HealthAdvocateX Talent Scout form
2. Submit the form and your resume to info@healthadvocatex.org by October 17, 2025.
3. If selected, schedule a virtual interview between October 27–31, 2025.

Recruitment Timeline

October 17, 2025 – Deadline to Apply for Board Position

October 27 – November 7, 2025 – Virtual Meetings with Potential Board Members

November 19, 2025 – HealthAdvocateX Board Meeting & Vote on Candidates

November 21, 2025 – Notification to Candidates

January 7, 2026 – New Member Onboarding Virtual Orientation

February 7 - 8, 2026 – HealthAdvocateX Annual Virtual Strategic Retreat

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