When will National Healthcare Advocates Day be celebrated? June 30th of each calendar year.
What is this day? Healthcare Advocates are those in between the Physician and the Patient. Advocates from all backgrounds are encountering the same barriers and their goal is to provide a collaborative environment to support and remind each other that we are making a difference. Advocates develop individual relationships with their patients and family members and Advocates have a unique responsibility to find solutions to treatment access barriers even when they’re not quite sure how they will get it done. That’s why, on July 30th, Healthcare Advocate Day will recognize the ongoing support these healthcare heroes provide on a daily basis.
Being an Advocate is not for the faint of heart. It takes persistence and determination while at the same time having the ability to provide comfort and support to the patient. In hospitals, physician offices, pharmacies, and institutions across the country, Healthcare Advocates tirelessly fight on behalf of patients at risk of being underserved as a result of confusing policies, complicated processes, and ever-changing regulations. Healthcare Advocates are becoming recognized as valuable problem solvers who have the potential to transform the quality of the healthcare system.
Advocates experience long and frustrating days as we have the difficult task of triaging patient cases when each case is equally important to us. However, they continue to come back each day because we know the patients and their families are relying on us when they have exhausted all other options. No one should have to attempt to navigate our complex healthcare system alone when they have a chronic illness. They leverage their network of Field Reimbursement Managers, Foundations, Specialty/Retail Pharmacies, Technology Solutions, and others in the Industry to make sure patients get the treatment and care they need at an affordable cost and reduce the turnaround time it takes to get on treatment and stay on treatment.
How should this day be celebrated or observed? Celebrate today by sharing a favorite story, or a shoutout to the Healthcare Advocate(s) who have made a difference in your or your patients’ lives!
Make sure to use #NationalHealthcareAdvocatesDay #HealthcareHeroes
Why was this day created? Healthcare Advocates deserve respect, recognition, and support as vital contributors and valued experts within the healthcare profession. NAMAPA launched the first National Healthcare Advocates Day to help recognize the tireless work of these healthcare heroes.
As an organization, the National Association of Medication Access and Patient Advocacy (NAMAPA) is empowering healthcare advocates by providing a collaborative community focused on resources to navigate medication access and support.
Who created this day? This day was created by The National Association of Medication Access & Patient Advocacy in 2022.