NAHC Newsroom

Press Release | Education, Home Health, Hospice, Patient/Family

Turning Patients into Advocates

September 4, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Thomas Threlkeld
Director of Communications
202-547-7424/ tom@nahc.org

NAHC Summer Backyard Advocacy: Patients and Families as Advocates

This week, the kids are back to school, our legislators are making preparations to head back to work in their DC offices, and the NAHC Summer Backyard Advocacy Campaign has entered its final week, with hopes of finishing strong.

In the final days the grassroots advocacy campaign, we aim our focus on one of the most important elements of the home health care and hospice communities- those we serve, our patients and families. The number of individuals in need of quality home-based care is exponentially growing. Our community of dedicated and passionate providers serves some of the most vulnerable Americans; individuals who rely on home care and services to help them live independent lives with dignity, maintaining their quality of life and well-being. They are our reason and our purpose and why as a community we fight so hard to protect access to the care services they need and deserve.

Our patients and families know first-hand, the value of home care. They often have important and compelling stories to share and can be instrumental in illustrating for elected officials the real-world impact and value of services as well as the opportunities home care and hospice face.

As our legislators make their way back to their offices for the start of the Fall Congressional session, we ask you to:

  • Start a dialogue with your patients and families about the importance of advocacy and how they can play an active role.
    (See the NAHC Conversation Starter Resource)
  • Encourage your patients and families to reach out to their legislators and share their stories – the good, along with the challenges and difficulties.
    (See the NAHC Share Your Story Resource) AND,
  • Invite them to add their voice to our advocacy efforts through the NAHC Advocacy Center

Every action matters. Together we can bring home health care and hospice to the center of the health care debate and ensure all Americans have access to quality home-based care today and in the future.

#AdvocacyInAction #NAHCHeartbeat

Questions?

Emilie Bartolucci, NAHC, Director of Grassroots Advocacy & Community Engagement, advocacy@nahc.org | 202-547- 7424

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About National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC)

The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) is the voice of home care and hospice. NAHC represents the nation’s 33,000 home care and hospice providers, along with the more than two million nurses, therapists, and aides they employ. These caregivers provide vital services to Americans who are aged, disabled, and ill. Some 12 million patients depend on home care and hospice providers, who depend on NAHC for the best in advocacy, education, and information. NAHC is a nonprofit organization that helps its members maintain the highest standards of care. To learn more, visit nahc.org.