Highlights from National Patient Advocacy Day!

August 19th is a National Patient Advocacy Day.

National Patient Advocacy Day is a dedicated observance aimed at highlighting the critical role of patient advocacy in healthcare. This day focuses on the importance of supporting patients as they navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, ensuring that they receive the care they deserve, and that their rights and preferences are respected. Patient advocates work to address a range of issues including medical errors, insurance barriers, access to appropriate treatments, and ensuring patients are well-informed about their diagnoses and treatment options.

National Patient Advocacy Day in oncology is raising awareness about the importance of patient advocacy in cancer care. It typically involves a collaboration of healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, advocates, and sometimes policymakers, all aimed at improving the overall patient experience and outcomes in oncology.

This Day provides the opportunity for oncologists to learn about important policy issues facing the field of oncology and the overall health care system and apply that knowledge to their practice.

The day serves as a platform for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocacy organizations to collaborate and promote a patient-centered approach to care. This includes empowering patients to be active participants in their care decisions and advocating for systemic improvements in healthcare delivery.

By raising awareness, National Patient Advocacy Day encourages the healthcare community to focus on improving communication, reducing disparities, and ensuring that every patient’s voice is heard and valued throughout their healthcare journey.

Here are some highlights about National Patient Advocacy Day:

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network:

“Today is National Patient Advocacy Day! ACS CAN and Vot-ER are teaming up to amplify patient voices this election season. From cancer research funding to health care access, your vote matters.

Check your voter registration and get ready to vote.

Learn more about how we’re bridging health care and civic engagement.”

Nathanael Milam:

“Happy National Patient Advocacy Day! 

Today, I’m celebrating the incredible strength and resilience of the rare disease community and all those who tirelessly fight for more equitable care access.

Reflecting on my personal journey from being misdiagnosed to a life-saving bone marrow transplant, I’m deeply grateful for the support and advocacy that has made a profound difference in my life and the lives of countless others. The group photo from Rare Disease Week 2024, where over 700 passionate advocates came together, is a testament to our collective power and unity in driving change.

Here’s a little fun to mark the occasion: Tap in if you can spot yourself in the photo! If you’re pictured, drop a zebra in the comments below! And if you weren’t, drop a 25!
Let’s celebrate our shared commitment and the strides we’ve made in the fight for rare disease awareness and equitable healthcare.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue advocating for transformative change and amplifying our voices to ensure that every rare disease patient receives the care they deserve. Here’s to making an even greater impact together!”

Primary Record:

“Today is National Patient Advocacy Day!

Navigating the healthcare system can feel like a daunting maze, especially when you’re focused on healing or caring for a loved one. This is where our unsung heroes step in: the Patient Advocates, Navigators, Life Care Planners, Care Coordinators, and Care Managers.

Each of these roles, though unique in their approach, shares a common goal—to ensure that patients and their families are supported, informed, and empowered throughout their healthcare journey. Whether it’s guiding you through complex treatment decisions, coordinating care across multiple providers, or helping you understand your healthcare coverage, these dedicated professionals are your partners in health.

On this National Patient Advocacy Day, we celebrate and honor the vital work they do. It’s an honor for us to work alongside and support these advocates by ensuring they have the information they need to do their best work for their clients and families. Let’s recognize their efforts and continue to advocate for a healthcare system that puts patients first.”

SureFit:

“SureFit is dedicated to enhancing patient comfort and care through our carefully curated range of podiatric supplies and equipment. We aim to support positive outcomes by connecting practitioners with the most effective solutions in podiatric care.

On National Patient Advocacy Day, we celebrate the power of patient advocacy. Your efforts to amplify every individual’s voice in their healthcare journey inspire us.”

National Blood Clot Alliance:

“Today is National Patient Advocacy Day, a time to recognize the vital role that advocacy plays in the diagnosis and treatment of blood clots.

When patients advocate for themselves in medical settings, they take an active role in their care, ensuring that their needs, preferences, and rights are respected.

Self-advocacy is not just about speaking up, it’s about taking control of your health, building strong relationships with your healthcare providers, and ensuring that your voice is heard every step of the way.

In some cases, patients may choose to work with a patient advocate to help navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

Patient advocates are available through hospitals, insurance companies, and private hire, as well as through nonprofit organizations, community health centers, and other services. Their qualifications can vary, but those who are board-certified by the Patient Advocate Certification Board have undergone specialized training to provide expert assistance.

These professionals are equipped with the skills and knowledge to support patients in various ways, ensuring that their medical, legal, and personal needs are met throughout their healthcare journey.

Fees for independent patient advocates vary, but many insurance plans also offer advocacy services at no cost. Check your individual health care plan for more information.

To find a board-certified patient advocate in your area, visit.”

Raedawn Johnson:

“Happy National Patient Advocacy Day! Navigating healthcare can be tough, but patient advocates symplify the process to ensure you get the care you need. At symplr, we streamline operations so healthcare providers can focus on what matters most—the patient experience!”

TRU Community Care:

“Today is National Patient Advocacy Day!
At TRU we are committed to ensuring that every patient’s voice is heard and respected on every step of their journey with illness and loss.

Let’s raise our voices for better healthcare, patient rights, and improved access to quality care. Together, we can create a more patient-centered healthcare system.”

Trevi Therapeutics:

“Did you know that patient advocacy groups are a great way to connect with patients and caregivers going through similar experiences? They provide helpful resources and support as patients navigate their diagnosis. Check out some of the incredible groups supporting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients.”

Anna Ormiston:

“Happy National Patient Advocacy Day!

Patient advocates are incredible individuals who fight for patients’ rights, raise awareness, and provide support around a specific or general range of illnesses. They play an important role in protecting the dignity and safety of patients during hard times as well as promoting their interests through research and protective laws. The impact of patient advocates is felt on a personal and system-wide level through protective policies and individual interventions. Ultimately, their work is a large contributor to the most important mission of healthcare: to serve patients.

Whether you are a patient advocate or are fighting for patient rights on your own terms, your voice is uplifting patients around the world.”

John Robitscher:

“Did you know that today is National Patient Advocacy Day?

As someone deeply committed to chronic disease prevention, I believe it’s our responsibility to ensure that care and treatment are not only effective but also equitable and accessible to everyone.

Chronic diseases don’t discriminate—they affect people from all walks of life, regardless of their background. Yet, access to quality care often does. However, everyone deserves the same access to care and the opportunity to live a healthy life.

Advocating for those with chronic diseases means fighting for policies that close these gaps and create a healthcare system where prevention and treatment are within reach for all. It’s also important to note that advocacy goes beyond speaking up; it includes genuinely listening to and understanding the people you’re advocating for.”

For more Highlights, visit oncodaily.com