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I have found myself looking back at the past a lot in the last few weeks. Maybe it is because in April it will be my 30th year of living in the Pacific Northwest. I came to Seattle in 1994 when the area was relatively undeveloped and unknown. It was a cool time – a year after ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ (the movie!) debuted and grunge music was peaking. In those thirty years, I met and married my husband, had two great kids (now adults!), founded companies, served on boards, but one of the things that I most proud of is partnering with Beth Droppert, BSN, RN to contribute to the field of health advocacy, including co-founding HealthAdvocateX.
In the last 14 years, this organization has reached thousands of people, providing education, resources, sometimes answering calls that were truly life and death from patients or family members trying desperately to navigate care….or connect to the perfect provider or just understand an unimaginable diagnosis where they had precious little time to make life-changing decisions about care.
One thing is clear – dozens of people have led this movement and had real impact in advancing this field. I have been fortunate to connect recently with former Board Members, past speakers and others who have seen the growth of health advocacy – but we still have so much to do and we cannot do it without YOU!
We are re-energizing our organization with new Board Members and are about to re-build our website. We would love to hear from you in a new survey we are launching TODAY! See our story below.
During April, HealthAdvocateX we will welcome back our esteemed former Board Member and former Medical Director at Swedish Health Services, Dale Reisner, MD, who will be giving us an update on all things related to COVID-19 for our Community Conversation. I will be moderating this important conversation as we look back four years.
I hope to see you there!
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Here's to your good health,
Robin Shapiro and the Team at HealthAdvocateX
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What We Now Know After Four Years - A Community Conversation
When: April 8, 2024 | 11am – 12pm (PT)
Where: Online via Zoom (Register Here)
Cost: FREE! | Available for 1.0 BCPA CE
Dale Reisner, MD will provide the most recent information about what we now know about COVID-19 after four years of facing it. She will address common myths, facts and what we are still in the process of learning. She will also review other public health current issues. Our community will also discuss the current dearth of primary care medical professionals and what individuals can do to make sure they can get the care they need. Bring your questions for a robust session!
CE will be General Education and Communication
This Community Conversation is FREE to attend. It is also available for 1.0 BCPA CE for $15.
CE Information for Board Certified Patient Advocates (BCPAs):
This session is available for BCPA CEs (1.0 CE). This live Community Conversation will take place on March 11, 2024, and will also be made available on-demand. You must complete the follow-up CE Survey in order to obtain credit.
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SAVE THE DATE!!!
The Movie: Angst & LIVE Panel Discussion –
May 6, 2024
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Angst
When: May 6, 2024 | 4pm – 6pm (PT)
Where: Online
Join HealthAdvocateX for a thought-provoking event featuring the powerful documentary “Angst.” This film delves into the complexities of anxiety, offering insights into its impact and strategies for coping. Following the screening, engage with experts in a dynamic panel discussion exploring mental health, resilience, and community support. Gain valuable perspectives and tools to navigate the challenges of anxiety in today’s world. Don’t miss this opportunity to foster understanding and empowerment in the face of mental health struggles.
Objectives:
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Understanding the Complexity of Anxiety: The movie provides insights into the multifaceted nature of anxiety, illustrating how it can manifest differently in individuals and impact various aspects of their lives.
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Destigmatizing Mental Health: By sharing personal stories and experiences, “Angst” helps break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues like anxiety, encouraging open dialogue and empathy.
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Exploring Coping Strategies: The film explores a range of coping strategies for managing anxiety, from mindfulness techniques to seeking professional help, empowering viewers with practical tools to address their own struggles.
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Building Supportive Communities: Through its narrative, “Angst” emphasizes the importance of building supportive communities that foster understanding, acceptance, and validation for individuals grappling with anxiety, highlighting the significance of social connections in mental health care.
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Respite or Permanent Move To Adult Family Home, Assisted Living Or Memory Care, Where Do We Start?
When: May 13, 2024 | 11am – 12pm (PT)
Where: Online via Zoom (Register Here)
Cost: FREE! Also available for 1.0 BCPA CE
Navigating the transition to adult family homes, assisted living, or memory care can be daunting. This enlightening discussion explores the crucial considerations and initial steps involved in making this decision. From assessing care needs and financial planning to evaluating facility options and understanding the difference between respite and permanent moves, attendees will gain clarity on where to begin. By addressing key factors such as location, amenities, and quality of care, individuals and families can make informed choices for their loved ones’ well-being and comfort.
Objectives:
- Define respite versus permanent moves to adult family homes, assisted living or memory care.
- Discuss the different facilities for elderly loved ones.
- Look at the key factors needed to make this decision.
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Reducing Financial Barriers To Healthcare: One Patient's Story
When: May 16, 2024 | 5pm – 6:30pm (PT)
Where: Online via Zoom (Register Here)
Cost: FREE! Also available for 1.0 BCPA CE
In this brief but impactful session, Sarah Jane will explore the financial barriers that are present to all patients, and specifically how they were able to be reduced in this one case. Be part of this important conversation as we seek to possibly implement these reductions for other patients alike.
CE will be Financial, General Education and Ethics
This event is open to all health advocates!
Professional Members of HealthAdvocateX, in good standing, the event is free to attend. Non-members the cost is $40. It is also available for 1.0 BCPA CE for $15. Invitations will go out via email soon!
Please reach out to us at info@HealthAdvocateX.org if you have any questions.
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In the past few years our volunteer and staff have been taxed and we feel we could be serving you better. Now is the time to tell us how! We are launching a new member feedback survey – that will be open until April 30, 2024. Your opinion matters to us! Help us make our organization even stronger and help support you in the way that is meaningful.
Please take the survey here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GY8G2JV
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Other Events You May Be Interested In | |
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Please consider joining Massachusetts Health Care Advocates(MAHCA) at our Inaugural Spring Symposium on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Assumption University.
Massachusetts Health Care Advocates is a regional group of our national association called National Association of Health Care Advocacy (NAHAC).
Soon after founding Healthassist almost 20 years ago, I helped to found both professional organizations and although small, we are mighty.
Our members requested educational in-person events to both learn and network with members of our own community, other communities that advocate on the behalf of healthcare consumers, and the public.
Our symposium on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, is entitled Strategies for Meaningful Change: Looking at the Future of Healthcare with Hope!
The $50 registration fee includes (3) Continuing Education credits (CEs) for Board Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA) and Society of Certified Senior Advisors® (CSA), lunch, networking, and free parking. Other professionals might be able to submit the CEs for post approval to their professional organizations.
All details and registration can be found here: https://www.mahealthcareadvocates.org/2024mahcasymposium
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Join us at the coveted event for advocates by advocates, September 3-6, 2024 in Las Vegas. This Summit is the premier event for any stakeholder involved in patient access, navigation, reimbursement, and medication. Advocates and key Industry Leaders are invited from across the country to take part in this urgent discussion on improving access to care.
Register Here: https://www.healthcareadvocatesummit.com/register
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Successful First XCenter Event | |
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Earlier this year, we hosted the inaugural event of our newest initiative: ‘XCenters.’ The concept behind these centers is to provide credible, understandable and actionable information on a variety of topics through the lens of health advocacy. Our first topic: Transgender Advocacy 101.
A Special Thank You
A very special thank you to Dr. Malynnda Johnson and our esteemed panelists, Kim Mcilnay, Quin Buhs, Molly Crowther, and Nancy Keller, who provided profound insights on Transgender care.
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XCenter Completion Badge
Professional CE participants of the event had the opportunity to receive an exclusive badge, which can be displayed on your profile, website, or professional platforms, signifying your completion of the XCenter Transgender Advocacy 101 event.
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It's Not Too Late
Missed the event? Don't worry! You can now purchase the content of these modules and on-demand discussions. We believe in equal access for all; if purchasing causes financial hardship, non-CE tickets are available. Reach out to info@healthadvocatex.org for assistance.
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April 8: Community Conversation - COVID-19 - What We Now Know After Four Years (Register Here)
May 6: Movie & LIVE Discussion (SAVE THE DATE!!!)
May 13: Community Conversation - Respite or Permanent Move To Adult Family Home, Assisted Living Or Memory Care, Where Do We Start? (Register Here)
May 16: Case Review - Reducing Financial Barriers To Healthcare: One Patient's Story (Register Here)
June 10: Community Conversation
July 8: Community Conversation
August 12: Community Conversation
September 9: Community Conversation
September 19: Case Review
October 14: Community Conversation
November 11: Community Conversation
December 5: Case Review
December 9: Community Conversation
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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.
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HealthAdvocateX is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. We acknowledge that we are on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present, and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe. We invite you to join us in acknowledging and thanking indigenous people for their ongoing stewardship wherever you are located.
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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
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Do you have something you would like to share with the HealthAdvocateX community?
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