Patients and caregivers understand firsthand the emotional, physical, and mental strains of living with a health condition. Not only are they excellent advocates at the hospital and at the pharmacy counter, but they are also important voices for policymakers to hear on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures around the country. As a company committed to improving healthcare access for patients, Viatris is proud to support patient advocacy organizations that are training advocates working for policy change that improves patient access to care and treatment options.
Patient Advocacy: Why It Matters
We the Patients
Patients Rising Now Inaugural Fly-In where over 40 patients and caregivers came to Washington D.C. to represent the rare and chronic disease patient community.
Alamo Breast Cancer Coalition Patient Advocate Program at SABCS
This program convenes breast cancer advocates at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium to educate advocates and increase dissemination of the most up-to-date science and late-breaking information on breast cancer. This includes educational mentoring sessions with leading breast cancer clinicians and researchers, sessions on the FDA approval process and patient-focused drug development and “advocate chats” with oncologists, researchers, and advocate examining important issues in the breast cancer community.
Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC) State Advocacy Forums
DPAC educates advocates about the structure of state government and policy landscape in each state, provides an overview of key topics impacting people with diabetes and shares tips on how to be an effective advocate.
DPAC Federal Policy Forum/Hill Days
The Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition’s (DPAC) annual advocacy event includes patient education briefing about key federal policy issues and opportunities for diabetes advocates to meet with their Congressional delegation and talk about what they can do to address the diabetes community’s unique needs.
Allergy Asthma Network’s 25th Annual Allergy Asthma Day on Capitol Hill
This annual event convenes advocates from around the US to meet with their congressional delegation to support legislation impacting people with asthma, allergies, COVID-19, and related conditions. In 2022, about 50 advocates attended in person and participated in 75+ meetings with members of Congress, while 343 advocates joined AADCH virtually.
COPD Foundation IMPACT Lung Health
This virtual advocacy event hosted by the COPD Foundation focused on encouraging Members of Congress to support policies critical to improving the lives of people living with COPD. In 2022, 31 volunteer COPD Foundation patient and caregiver community members representing 21 states participated.