Patient advocacy is a rewarding way to impact real changes for people living with chronic illness. Whether you talk to legislators, join local advocacy groups, or share your own story, your voice can make a big difference.

For people living with a chronic illness, becoming a patient advocate may seem like a challenging task. It can be hard to know where to begin, who to talk to, and what groups to join. At GHLF, we believe that becoming a patient advocate is accessible to everyone, and we’re here to help you share your story and use your voice for positive change.

Join the Global Healthy Living Foundation and the Obesity Action Coalition for this first episode of a joint-advocacy training where we hear from four patient advocates and explore how you can get started on your own personal journey with patient advocacy.

 

Meet the Patients

 

  1. Judy N. is a patient advocate from Sandusky, Ohio who was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 25. She began her advocacy work fourteen years ago with the Global Healthy Living Foundation, and also is a platinum ambassador with the Arthritis Foundation. Judy’s has told her story in front of legislative bodies around the country to advocate for all people living with chronic illness. She continues to advocate because of the fellowship she has found in communities of other patient advocates. Judy says that she, “has met a lot of nice people, and [advocacy] is really wonderful.”
  2. Jody Q. is a patient advocate from Plymouth, Massachusetts. She is a lifelong Massachusetts resident who lives with Psoriatic disease, Psoriasis, and Psoriatic Arthritis. She was diagnosed twenty years ago, after fifteen years of misdiagnosis, which inspired her to become a patient advocate. She began her advocacy work ten years ago by volunteering for the National Psoriasis Foundation at events and fundraisers. Jody has spoken in front of the legislators at capitol hill in Washington, DC. Jody continues to advocate because of the confidence that advocacy brings for people living with chronic illness, saying that “your story is the most important thing in advocacy.”
  3. Alecia S. is a nurse and patient advocate from Lakewood, Ohio. She began her advocacy work as a patient living with chronic obesity. She reached out to the Obesity Action Coalition to tell her story and has been involved in advocacy for Chronic Obesity ever since. Alecia continues to advocate because she sees the growing need for patient advocacy, and she understands that “it’s a very powerful tool to bring change.”
  4. Yolanda C. is a patient advocate from Portland, Oregon. As a person who has experienced Chronic Obesity, Yolanda began her advocacy work by supporting weight bias campaigns, and healthcare access for people living with Chronic Obesity. She advocates with the Obesity Action Coalition who have helped her find her voice and share her story with people experiencing Chronic Obesity. Yolanda continues to advocate because of the great community she has found, and describes patient advocates as, “the best hype people ever. They lifted me up, they supported me, they helped me find my place, and instilled in me that I mattered, and my story mattered.”

 

Fast Facts from the Webinar

 

    1. Patient Advocacy Opportunities are Everywhere

    Patient advocacy can begin in numerous settings, including advocacy groups, social media platforms, doctors’ offices, senior groups, and local boards.

    1. Your Story is Powerful  

    Sharing your personal story is a powerful way to spark real changes in healthcare policies that impact many chronic illness communities. Remember, your story and voice are always valid!  

    1. You are not Alone in Your Advocacy Journey

    Organizations such as GHLF are available to guide you throughout your journey, and experienced patient advocates can mentor you in amplifying your voice to affect the most change.  

    1. Ask the 50-State Network for Help  

    If getting involved in advocacy seems too difficult and you want help, GHLF is happy to help you prepare and set up the meeting with your legislators. Email us at advocacy@ghlf.org