Articles

I decided to turn down my first big girl job a year after college. I have cystic fibrosis (CF), and my life had other plans in store-keeping up, in that...

Have you ever considered getting a service dog to help with your medical condition? Service dogs are dogs that are trained to help their owners with their disability. Disabilities are...

In the digital age, having a following often comes hand in hand with unexpected direct messages asking for financial help. It’s a perplexing yet frequent occurrence—individuals assuming an advocate’s/public figure’s...

You can start to sense when the relationship has run its course. Maybe clinic appointments are feeling rushed. Maybe you don’t feel heard or understood. Maybe you don’t feel comfortable...

Living with lupus feels like navigating a complicated maze full of unexpected twists and turns. Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, can impact various organs and systems in the body, causing...

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the concepts of patient-centered care and patient leadership have become increasingly vital in shaping the quality and effectiveness of how medical care is given...

In the realm of patient advocacy, passion and dedication are often the driving forces behind the invaluable support provided to individuals navigating the complex world of healthcare. Often, we advocates...

Patient advocacy doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all approach. Art is an underrated form of patient advocacy that can be beneficial, not only for the artist, but also for the...

One of the things I wish that was available when I started my advocacy is that there would exist a handbook that gives you insight into what you can do...

The new Social Health Network (SHN) provides space to connect with other Patient Leaders. In August, we posted several prompts to the Social Health Network Facebook page to act as...

As a passionate advocate for those living with multiple chronic conditions, I've walked alongside numerous individuals facing ongoing health challenges. I've witnessed firsthand the difficult nuances of the healthcare journey...

Recently, I compiled a data analysis report. The data was collected through the Fibromyalgia Care Society of America’s (FCSA) application. It was important that I understood the needs of the 351 people waiting for our...

As an advocate focused mostly on healthcare policy and legislative advocacy, I am often asked how I connect with, and establish relationships with my legislators. Here are some of my...

As a Patient Leader, you've answered the call to help other patients and caregivers in your community. Day in and day out, you're entrenched in your community's conversation. By sharing...

My journey as a health care advocate started years ago when I became a CNA (Certified Nurses Assistant) I have always enjoyed helping others. As a teenager, I knew when...

The In America survey is now closed. To learn more about the challenges of living with chronic, rare, and terminal health conditions, we are conducting our In America survey. By...

Healthcare advocacy as a Health Leader is deeply meaningful work--it can also quickly lead to burnout. Crafting effective health advocacy strategies requires not only your expert knowledge as a patient...

Patient advocacy can take many forms. Some examples are writing your senators in favor of research funding, leading a support group, or writing a blog. But with social media use...

The Health Union Patient Leader Certification Program offers a comprehensive toolkit for Patient Leaders seeking to elevate their impact in the healthcare space. During the Connexion Conference in 2023, Julie...

With the arrival of cold weather, the onset of darkness, and the start of the busy holiday season, a sense of vulnerability can be felt by many. This feeling may...