Advocacy Spotlight

NAHAC’s Advocacy Spotlight highlights significant people and events in the health care advocacy landscape. Here you will find up and coming trends in health care advocacy and rising stars in the health care advocacy universe.

Advocate Spotlight

Advocacy Spotlight: Karen Curtiss - Spark Speaker Series

NAHAC would like to highlight Karen Curtiss BCPA, founder of The Care Partner Project, and the launch of her new "Spark Speaker Series." The Care Partner Project, https://thecarepartnerproject.org, is a 501c3 non-profit based in Chicago that offers fully vetted – yet super simple – checklists that demystify healthcare and equip anyone to partner with medical providers for safe and sound care.

Advocate Spotlight

Advocacy Spotlight: American Heart Association

In honor of American Heart Month, NAHAC is proud to highlight the American Heart Association, the AHA, and its advocacy efforts. With a mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, heathier lives, the AHA is celebrating their 100th Anniversary since its founding in 1924 with a focus on combatting heart disease and stroke.

Advocate Spotlight

Advocacy Spotlight: Dianne Savastano - Healthassist

Dianne Savastano is a pioneer in the field of patient advocacy; she began her 25-year career as a registered nurse, providing direct patient care. In 2004, Dianne founded Healthassist, a Massachusetts-based company that specializes in providing personalized services in helping clients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

Advocate Spotlight

Advocacy Spotlight: NAHAC Committee Openings Available

From health care advocacy and membership to professional development and marketing, your experience and knowledge can contribute to NAHAC's mission and vision for the future.

Advocate Spotlight

Advocacy Spotlight: NAHAC Members

As we close out the year, NAHAC extends sincere gratitude to our members. Your tireless voices and actions continue to be a key factor in enhancing patients' experiences. From advocating for patients’ rights and providing valuable guidance to navigating complex policies and processes, your commitment and dedication to the well-being of individuals, caregivers, and communities in which you serve don’t go unnoticed.

Advocate Spotlight

Advocacy Spotlight: NAHAC Seeking Candidates for Our Board of Directors

NAHAC is seeking candidates for our Board of Directors. We are looking for passionate professionals with experience in non-profit management, development, accounting, law, healthcare, educational programming, and more!

Advocate Spotlight

Advocacy Spotlight: Rosalynn Carter (1927-2023)

Thank you Rosalynn Carter, Steel Magnolia. NAHAC honors the life and legacy of Rosalynn Carter and acknowledges her tireless efforts in advocacy for mental health. Rosalynn was nicknamed the "Steel Magnolia" during her tenure as first lady of the United States, a name attributed to her shy, feminine exterior but formidable and rock solid interior. Her inner strength has shown in all she has done.

Advocate Spotlight

Advocacy Spotlight: CHCAO Special Report 2023

In late 2022, the Coalition of Healthcare Advocacy Organizations (CHCAO) carried out a broad survey to understand the experiences of patient and health care advocates and assess their impact on the individuals they assist. The survey received responses from over 500 individuals, including 188 patients or family members, 262 advocates, and 91 other healthcare providers. This publication presents the survey results and contextualizes the concept of patient and health care advocacy as a basis for refining the scope and practice of this professional domain.

Advocate Spotlight

Advocacy Spotlight: Independent Patient Advocates of the Year Award

NAHAC is proud to announce two of our members, Rebeka Acosta and Ailene Gerhardt were presented with the Advocate of the Year award at the 2023 Healthcare Advocate Summit in New Orleans. Both were awarded in the category of Independent Patient and Healthcare Advocate, while Rebeka's specifically acknowledged her efforts in pediatrics.

Advocate Spotlight

Advocacy Spotlight: Carey Kempton, MBA and now former President, NAHAC

This month's Advocacy Spotlight shines brightly on Carey Kempton. After serving 2 years as President of NAHAC's Board of Directors, Carey has chosen not to seek reelection. On behalf of the NAHAC Board, NAHAC Members, and Massachusetts Health Care Advocates (MAHCA) community, we express our gratitude to Carey for all of her contributions, not only to NAHAC as an organization, but also to the Patient and Healthcare Advocacy Profession.