I am proud to have spent the past 12 years as an advocate and counselor working for those with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. This passion, combined with the work done through the ACR’s annual Advocates for Arthritis conference in Washington, D.C., is vital to us all. You can follow me, along with many others who will be physically present, at www.facebook.com/InternationalAutoimmuneArthritisMovement as we cover all of the action from the event, and from my sofa!
It is an honor to be part of this wonderful and important time. We are advocating for better access to care and treatments, and for greater awareness in the minds and hearts of our representatives in Congress. I want to thank the ACR for this great opportunity to serve our community. I encourage rheumatologists, patients, and health professionals to get involved this September, whether in person or virtually. With us working together, I am hopeful that our advocacy may help more people access care and increase research funding to bring us closer to a cure.
The Reverend Hillelson is an ACR patient advocate based in Dallas.
You Can Advocate For Arthritis, Too!
Join the Virtual Advocacy Day, September 10
ACR/ARHP members and patient advocates will meet with members of Congress on September 10 as part of the 2013 Advocates for Arthritis. Even if you can’t join us in person, you can still play an important role by becoming a virtual advocate. Visit the ACR Legislative Action Center at www.rheumatology.org/ActionCenter on September 10 to send a special message to Congress.
It’s August Recess—Members of Congress Are Home and Eager to Meet with You
Members of Congress will be working in their states and districts meeting with constituents from August 5 through September 6. This is the perfect time to meet with your representative and senators. Speak up for rheumatology and help educate lawmakers on the critical issues facing our community. For help scheduling or preparing for a meeting with your members of Congress, contact ACR Government Affairs staff at [email protected] or (404) 633-3777.
