Whether you’re interested in learning about managing health conditions for yourself, supporting your peers or changing health systems to improve outcomes for everyone, this session will arm you with knowledge to take action in the health areas that are important to you. Join us as two world-leading patient advocates share their personal experiences creating organizations and then global movements that are increasing awareness and action for diseases that are invisible until they become more serious.

Although the opportunity for all people to attain the highest quality of life is becoming part of global healthcare discussions, the voices of those with lived experiences are too often excluded. During the last two years, Advocacy Exchange members have shared their expertise and lived experiences in four working groups. These working groups are now harnessing all of the advocate perspectives to co-create and drive two projects in 2023. The first project will be the creation of a resource for individuals who are experiencing discrimination in the healthcare system. The second will be the creation of a tool for individuals and allies who want to utilize their voice to create health equity structural change. We hope you’ll join us and contribute to this powerful conversation with our Working Group leaders – Sheila Thorne, Brad Love, Neil Bertelsen, and Gary Nolan – as we talk about what we can accomplish together and how we will make our mark in healthcare through these advocate-driven efforts.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” Humanity is at the core of all that we do. That’s why The Advocacy Exchange is proud to honor Universal Human Rights Month in December, as well as United Nations Human Rights Day on December 10. As we bring 2022 to a close, we’ll reflect on our work over 32 sessions of The Advocacy Exchange that has spotlighted advances in human rights within the healthcare space, as well as discuss the importance of Patient Rights for individual care. Please join us for this meaningful discussion about the power and impact of protecting the rights of people all over the world.

For many people, living with disease is more than managing physical health. Everyday expenses and the ability to afford quality medical care, even with insurance, can be overwhelming. Socioeconomic challenges, depleted personal finances and understanding changing policies are just a couple of the challenges that people face in pursuit of care. The good news? Patient advocacy organizations often have resources that can help ease the financial burden. Join us for this session, where we’ll talk openly about balancing physical and financial health and how patient advocacy is leading the way to support people in these areas.

Managing a chronic illness is a lifelong journey that impacts people in different ways. In addition to maintenance medications, frequent health visits and daily efforts to be as healthy as possible, the mental component of a lifelong disease can carry enormous weight.  Prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being to the best of your ability is critical, whether you’re navigating stigmas associated with the visible or perceived impact of a chronic illness, combating worsening symptoms brought on by stress or just doing your best when you’re not feeling your best. We invite you to join us for an open and honest conversation about how to embrace positivity and support your mental health while facing a chronic illness.

Caregiving can take on many forms. Whether it’s physically caring for a loved one who is in treatment or managing a chronic disease, working with patients, or providing critical emotional support to those in need, caregivers often, and inadvertently, put their own needs aside. During this session, we’ll talk openly about different factors that can impact a caregiving experience, including cultural influences, caregiving from a distance, and managing care during times of personal stress. We’ll also discuss how caregivers can create balance between caring for another and managing their own mental health and well-being.

When flight attendants review safety procedures they tell you to take care of your own oxygen mask before assisting other people. This concept applies to advocacy as well. You must take care of yourself in order to be at your best to help other people. With this in mind, we invite you to join us for this session of The Advocacy Exchange that’s focused on YOU. During this session, attendees will learn how meditation can help reduce stress and participate in a guided meditation exercise. You will also have the opportunity to ask the instructor questions. We hope you’ll join us and allow yourself some time for reflection on your own well-being and mental health.

Any movement toward positive change requires people sharing their lived experiences—to give voice, raise awareness, change minds, educate or motivate. It requires advocates. But how can advocates feel confident that their stories are being heard and truly making a difference? Join Tim Cage and John Capecci, cofounders of Living Proof Advocacy, as they describe their model of support for advocates sharing their personal stories.