Fight for Change: 2 ARP Members on Why Advocacy Is Important to Them

That day marked the beginning of a journey filled with battles against various policies that hinder or deny patient care. I joined different coalitions dedicated to patient advocacy and, fortunately, had the opportunity to become part of the ACR’s Government Affairs Committee. This platform has allowed me to have a more significant impact in the fight to improve patient access to care.

My experience with Dorothy ignited a passion within me, propelling me to become a fierce advocate for those facing barriers to necessary treatments. Every battle I’ve fought since then has reinforced my commitment to championing the rights of patients and improving healthcare outcomes. I am determined to make a difference, one policy change at a time, to ensure that patients like Dorothy have the access and support they deserve.

Brenda Frie

Brenda Frie, EdD, OTR/L, CHT, Occupational Therapist

Serving for the past three years on the ACR Government Affairs Committee has been an honor and a privilege. It is an honor to be part of an interprofessional team that advocates for reducing health disparities and improving healthcare access. The ACR’s support of an interprofessional approach is one of the reasons I joined the ARP. As an occupational therapist, I value including clients, administration, physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals in united goals focused on improving the lives of those living with chronic disease.

I have gained most of my advocacy experience on the Government Affairs Committee. The committee meets monthly, providing updates on national and state legislation influencing practice. The committee updates the ACR’s health policy statements and decides which legislation to focus on during the spring and fall visits to Washington, D.C. The day before the Hill visit, advocates receive training and support materials, a confidence booster.

The ACR works with a company called Soapbox to coordinate Hill visits with state legislators. A mixed team of professionals is assigned by geographic location and paired with senators and representatives. The interprofessional approach to Hill meetings allows members to share their personal stories about how legislation influences them. As an occupational therapist, I have found stories about how rheumatic disease affects everyday life tasks of value.

Last fall, I was on a team with two clients who told stories of how step therapy and copay accumulators impacted them personally due to difficulty managing disease symptoms and increased cost burden. This spring, I was paired with a clinic administrator who directly addressed the need for an inflationary adjustment to the Medicare fee schedule and increased resident training positions.