|
Dear HealthAdvocateX Community,
| |
|
This time of year is always filled with opportunities to see family and friends and the opportunity to reflect and make sense of our world. At HealthAdvocateX, our year was filled with educational events, activities and support for people seeking health advocacy resources. Here are some of our highlights:
-
Hosted 12 Community Conversations with topics that covered everything from racial disparity in AI to women’s heart health. Thank you to Chris Price for leading the majority of these events. All of our events are listed in our classroom for easy download and access (you can also purchase CEs): https://healthadvocatex.org/courses/
- We re-started our Networking events, which we will continue into 2025, thanks to our team Malynnda Johnson Deidre Kindred, and Sarah Jane Yang!
-
Presented several professional case reviews for professional members, to help health advocates grow through their knowledge and experience. Thank you Beth Droppert for leading this ongoing effort.
- Launched our second XCenter focused on Trauma-Informed Care, moderated by Malynnda Johnson. Thank you to Malynnda, Beth Droppert and Lee Mulert and our wonderful speakers. You can find XCenter sessions (free to the public or for CE purchase in on Our-Demand classroom).
- We participated in the Annual Health Advocate Conference in Las Vegas
-
HealthAdvocateX is an active member of the CHCAO coalition
- We continue to connect the public to health advocacy resources through our inquiry program – thank you to Melina Oien and Beth Droppert for your ongoing work to respond.
There is still so much work to be done!
As 2024 comes to a close, please consider donating to help us inspire and educate people as they navigate through difficult health care challenges in 2025 and beyond.
HealthAdvocateX is a national, non-profit organization committed to helping people transform into active participants in their health care.
We believe that health advocacy can dramatically change your care by helping you understand your choices -- and elevate the power of your health experience. Your donation will help us continue to provide up-to-date, credible, actionable health advocacy information.
HealthAdvocateX is a registered 501(c)(3). Donations are eligible for any company matching programs.
We hope that you can rest and recharge over the holidays. Please also note that we will be taking a break and our office will be closed Dec 20 – January 3!
| |
|
We look forward to ‘seeing you’ in the New Year – here is wishing you and those you love a healthy, happy, joyous New Year!
With gratitude,
Robin Shapiro and the Team at HealthAdvocateX
| |
Giving Tuesday Today! Empowering Health Together: Support HealthAdvocateX
This Giving Tuesday, consider making a difference in healthcare!
Why support us?
- We create valuable resources and programs that help people navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.
- We equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to become their own best health advocates.
- Your donation directly impacts our ability to serve the community.
Join the movement! This Giving Tuesday, contribute to a healthier future for all. Donate to HealthAdvocateX and help us achieve our mission.
| |
THANK YOU TO RETIRING / EXITING BOARD MEMBERS!
Our organization is overseen by a stellar Board of Directors, many who have served as long-term advisors. Please join me in thanking the four Board members who will be stepping off our Board, we are so grateful to them for sharing their time, talent and support!
| | |
|
Scott Beeber
Scott joined our Board with a background in sales, management, fundraising and helped our organization through our strategic planning process. Scott is passionate about helping people find better care and joined our Executive Committee to help steer the organization as we re-doubled our operations this year.
Place article copy here. Be sure to make the articles short and concise as people tend not to read much more than a couple of paragraphs. Place article co
| | | |
|
|
Andrew Kreis
Andrew joined our organization in 2014 when it was WASHAA (the Washington State Health Advocacy Association) with a strong background in IT and technology. He helped set up our initial technology – including phone systems and email. His background in non-profits also contributed to our discussions about how to fulfill our mission over the years.
| | | |
|
|
Chris Price
Chris joined our Board as a retired cardiologist who suffered his own health challenges and wanted to help others navigate better care. He immediately contributed by leading our Education Committee, joining our Executive Board and leading many of our Community Conversations, leveraging his unique knowledge and personal contacts in a variety of health care settings.
| | | |
|
|
Michael Wood
Michael joined our organization in 2017 when it was WASHAA (the Washington State Health Advocacy Association) contributing his long-time expertise in human health services with a focus on helping patients. He was a pioneer in introducing nurse lines as a benefit to employees. Michael was a top contributor of our ‘mission moments,’ helping link what we do to the health advocacy needs he saw and participated in. He also helped develop our IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) strategy in the early 2020s.
| | |
WELCOME NEW 2025 BOARD MEMBERS | |
Rose Hernandez BSc, MPH
Rose is the Head of Clinical Operations at a biotechnology company. She brings over 20 years of extensive experience in cancer research, with a particular focus on conducting clinical trials for rare cancers. Rose possesses a diverse academic and professional background in genetics, chemistry, and physics. Furthermore, she has dedicated over a decade to managing oncology trials, encompassing phases from first-in-human studies to Phase 3 clinical trials.
Driven by the personal loss of her father, mother, and sister to rare diseases, Rose advocates for awareness and education on these conditions. She has united patient groups, healthcare professionals, and government officials to create action plans addressing public health issues. Additionally, she organizes training sessions in underserved areas of South Texas to empower communities with essential resources. Additionally, she has worked with local officials to enhance policies that tackle the unique challenges faced by these communities.
| |
| |
|
Marsha Hyslop R.N., BSN, MBA
Marsha Hyslop is a performance-driven health care executive, with in depth clinical experience and expertise in rapidly growing, technology-driven health care environments. She has developed and implemented numerous clinical programs in multiple organizations as well as strategic initiatives to support organizational objectives and business opportunities. She has a steadfast commitment to promoting clinical quality and outcomes, in depth health care industry knowledge and a successful record of fostering meaningful relationships and opportunities with internal and external stakeholders with both corporate and health plan partners.
She was the Chief Clinical Officer of 2nd.MD for 7 years where she contributed significantly to the quality, scale, and growth of the organization. She built the Expert Specialist panel which was comprised of over 1000 leading specialists across the nation. 2nd.MD grew by 72% in 2020 resulting in the 2021 acquisition of 2nd.MD by Accolade (a publicly traded company). She served on the Clinical Advisory Board for Sword Health a virtual physical therapy solution. She is on the Advisory Board for the University of Texas School of Nursing and serves as a Strategic Advisor to Access Hope a virtual oncology solution. She is currently the VP of Clinical Oversight for Truepill, a virtual pharmacy and telehealth solution. She is passionate about patient advocacy which has been a primary focus of her life’s mission and work.
| | |
|
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.
| |
| | |
|
|
Nicole T. Rochester, MD
Dr. Nicole 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. Dr. Rochester 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 is the author of two books, has contributed to numerous digital publications and has an active presence on social media. She has served as a Commissioner to the Maryland Commission on Public Health, a member of the Maryland Diabetes Quality Taskforce and the Maryland Diabetes Action Committee, and was the co-lead and subject matter expert for B.I.R.T.H. Equity Maryland, a statewide maternal health equity initiative.
Dr. Rochester obtained her undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Medical Association, the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Most importantly, she is the proud mother of two young adult daughters.
| | |
|
Trauma-Informed Care XCenter is Available On-Demand
HealthAdvocateX created the concept of an ‘XCenter,’ to represent a resource and educational center at the intersection of health advocacy and a pressing, under-recognized, under-resourced, or mis-understood critical health-related issue.
The Trauma-Informed Care XCenter includes:
· Available CE credit (including Board Certified Patient Advocate – BCPA CE)
· List of references that identify the data upon which the modules are built
· List of resources for further study and learning
You can find all Trauma-Informed Care XCenter modules for free viewing in our virtual classroom, and for BCPA CE credit at the following links:
| |
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 16 – Networking: 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.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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?
| | | | |
