The ACR is accepting applications for this year’s Advocates for Arthritis, which will be held in person in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 26–27. This annual event brings together patients and rheumatology professionals to advocate for your subspecialty on Capitol Hill.
Participating in Advocates for Arthritis is a great way for ACR and ARP members to engage in the legislative process and increase lawmakers’ awareness of rheumatology. During the meeting, you will hear from ACR and ARP policy leaders, be trained on our priority issues and join a team from your area to educate members of Congress on current rheumatology issues affecting your community.
What is Advocates for Arthritis?
The event consists of one day of training followed by one day of meetings with federal lawmakers and their staff about important legislative issues facing rheumatology patients and providers. You will join colleagues and patients from your state to advocate for legislative action on ACR’s policy priorities, including access to care, utilization management policies, medical workforce support and drug pricing. To learn more, read some firsthand experiences from this year’s spring fly-in.
Who is invited to attend?
All ACR and ARP members are encouraged to apply, and it is free to attend—the ACR will cover travel and lodging costs. The College also invites patients to join their care teams at Advocates for Arthritis. Please share this opportunity with a patient who has a compelling story or would be a strong advocate to communicate the importance of rheumatology to lawmakers. Patients can apply through the same link.
Do I need any advocacy experience?
No—you already have all the experience you need by being able to share personal stories of how certain laws affect you and your patients. ACR staff and volunteer leaders will offer pre-event materials and advocacy training to get you up to speed and help you feel comfortable. You will conduct these meetings as a team with others from your state or region.
What are the legislative issues?
ACR volunteer leaders select the most relevant legislative topics from this year’s ACR policy priorities. This year, they will include patient access to care, utilization management, medical workforce support and drug pricing.
What is the schedule?
The event will consist of advocacy training and meetings with congressional offices. Save these dates on your calendar:
- Monday, Sept. 25: Arrive in Washington, D.C.
- Tuesday, Sept. 26: Mandatory advocacy training and programming, followed by an evening reception.
- Wednesday, Sept. 27: Meetings with Capitol Hill offices; times will vary by state. Depart after 5:00 p.m. EDT.
This sounds great—how do I sign up?
Space is limited, so we encourage you to apply today to advocate with your colleagues and patients. The deadline is July 14. The ACR will be notifying applicants of their status in the coming weeks.
