The toolkit will include customizable information for patients, communities and members of the media—including a press release, flyer, blog post and fact sheets—as well as suggested graphics and posts to share on social media. There will also be a template proclamation for advocates to share with local and state officials to recognize September as Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month. “We are excited to offer the proclamation template to our state societies as a tool and conversation starter, to garner the attention and support of our local and state leaders,” says Ms. Roth.
Finally, a group of ACR members and patient advocates will once again fly to Washington, D.C., in September to advocate for rheumatic disease care. Amid legislative uncertainty—especially when it comes to healthcare—it’s a particularly prescient time to be heard on Capitol Hill.
“As our patients continue to face high drug costs, restrictive insurer practices, and questions about the future of healthcare reform, now is the time for patients to get involved in advocacy and fight for the high-quality specialty care and services provided by rheumatologists,” emphasizes Dr. Lakhanpal.
Ultimately, rheumatic disease awareness is a cause that extends far beyond the month of September. But scaled-up efforts this September provide the rheumatology community with a unique opportunity to shape public opinion—and hopefully, improve lives along the way.
