Dear ,

Fall has always been my favorite season. There's something magical about the crisp air and the spectacular transformation of leaves from green to brilliant golds, reds, and oranges. For me, autumn has always signaled fresh starts and new possibilities—much like the excitement of a new school year beginning. 

Having recently left my role as a professor at the university to focus full-time on patient advocacy and conflict mediation, I find myself entering what feels like my own start of a new year, as my busy season for work has begun to pick up. This fall is particularly exciting as I also continue my transition into the role of incoming Chair of Health AdvocateX. It's a responsibility I don't take lightly, and I'm energized by the opportunities ahead.

One of my key priorities this Fall will be leading our recruitment efforts for new board members. This includes the opportunity to reach out to many of you—our incredible members—to explore how we can strengthen our leadership team together. But I also want to encourage you to reach out to me. Whether you're interested in board service yourself, have someone in mind who would be a great fit, or simply want to share your thoughts on the direction of our organization, I'd love to hear from you. 

I'm also excited to share that Angie Ingraham, Deidra Kindred, and I will be attending the Health Advocate Summit this year, where we will be sharing our insights across several presentations. If you're planning to attend, please don't hesitate to let me know—I'd love to make sure we have a chance to connect in person.

As we move into this season of change and renewal, I'm grateful for this community and excited about what we'll accomplish together.

Malynnda and the Team at HealthAdvocateX 



Upcoming Events

September 9 – Community Conversation: The Changing Landscape of Insurance and what it means to you

REGISTER HERE

When: Sep 08, 2025 | 11am-12pm (PT)

Where: Online via Zoom

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

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.

About The Speaker:

Molly Lanzinger has been selling health insurance as an independent agent for over 20 years. Her specialties include individual, small group, and Medicare. She helps clients navigate the ever changing world of health insurance. As an advocate for her clients, she uses her experience with insurance companies to help find and design plans that fit the clients needs. Her goal is to help each client understand their health insurance plan.

September 25 – Networking Event: 2025 Health Advocate Summit Recap

REGISTER HERE

The conversation doesn’t end when the Summit does! Join us for this interactive recap session where attendees will highlight their top takeaways, share powerful insights, and discuss how to put Summit resources into practice. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, real-world strategies, and a clear understanding of why the HealthAdvocateX Summit is such a valuable experience.

Learning Objectives:

1. Engage in an open discussion about the most impactful lessons from the Summit.
2. Explore practical ways to apply Summit resources in business and advocacy.
3. Understand the value of attending the Summit and learn how to get more involved with HealthAdvocateX.

About The Speaker:



Malynnda Stewart, PhD, BCPA is a board-certified patient advocate and the CEO of Compassionate Navigation, LLC. She believes that effective communication is a form of preventive medicine, reducing misunderstandings, improving health outcomes, and fostering trust between patients and providers. Through her consulting work, she equips patients, families, and healthcare professionals with the skills to navigate complex conversations with clarity, confidence, and compassion. As a professor of health communication, cultural communication, interpersonal communication, interviewing, and persuasion, Malynnda helps students and professionals develop practical communication strategies that improve patient care and workplace interactions. She is committed to meeting people where they are, ensuring that difficult conversations—whether in healthcare, education, or daily life—are approached with empathy and understanding. Malynnda also hosts the podcast Communication Compass, which is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations strengthen their communication skills in challenging situations. Her work empowers people to engage in meaningful, solution-focused discussions that lead to better relationships, improved well-being, and more inclusive environments.



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

The Disease of Addiction: Confronting Stigma, Trends, and Paths to Recovery

ACCESS HERE

Join us to discuss how stigma and stereotype affect treatment for substance use disorders. You will hear about key case management strategies and treatment plans that are helping individuals move towards a successful recovery journey. Key innovative grassroots advocacy initiatives and community education forums will be featured.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify current opioid overdose trends including the impact of synthetic opioids and social determinants of health causing deaths
• Learn how stereotypes and stigma affect the treatment of the disease of substance use disorder.
• List case management treatment strategies and new innovative programs to assist individuals in their journey to recovery.

Other Events and Annoucments

Health Advocate September Conference

📍 Las Vegas, NV | 📅 September 2-5, 2025 | 🏨 Caesars Palace 

More Info Here

We’re excited to share that HealthAdvocateX team members Angie Ingraham, Deidra Kindred, and Malynnda Johnson will be at the Health Advocate Summit this year. We’d love to meet you in person—stop by our booth to say hello, or drop us a note at info@healthadvocatex.org if you’d like to plan a time to connect!

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