Advocates in Action
68 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsHave you ever felt intimidated, confused, or overwhelmed when trying to navigate the health care system? In those moments it can be hard to advocate for yourself and those you care about. Join our host Ashley Danyel Freeman as she speaks with patients, providers and caregivers who have found the strength to advocate for equitable access to affordable quality health care. Advocates in Action is created by the National Patient Advocate Foundation, a non-profit with the objective of prioritizing the patient voice to achieve person-centered care. We are dedicated to amplifying the powerful stories of individuals and the collective needs of various communities across the country.
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Episodes
Hispanic Health is not Homogenous
August 28, 2023 19:02 - 24 minutes - 33.8 MBTo reduce health inequities, there has to be a clear understanding of the unique challenges being faced by that community. When evaluating the health of Hispanic and Latino populations, accuracy is decreased if you make generalizations for the whole population instead of analyzing the specific characteristics of each group because they are not homogenous. Listen as Dr. Luisa Borrell, shares the framework she uses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the health status of the various Hispa...
History, Empowerment and Preservation of Native People
July 31, 2023 14:25 - 20 minutes - 27.9 MB“There have been so many attempts to erase us, to destroy us, to take our lands. And we are still here, we're strong. We're one of the youngest and fastest growing populations in the country.” – Erik Stegman, Executive Director of Native Americans in Philanthropy. Imagine being forcibly separated from your family, home, and community. For hundreds of years that was the reality of many Native people who were removed from the lifestyle they were accustomed to and forced into boarding schools c...
I am Large, I Contain Multitudes
June 08, 2023 21:29 - 29 minutes - 40.8 MBThe famous Walt Whitman quote, "I am large, I contain multitudes," reflects how multi-faceted our identity is. Does our health care system reflect the celebration and acceptance of that diversity? Listen as Dr. Erica Concors shares how they've been able to use community organizing and advocacy skills to create more welcoming medical spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Providing a safe space for transgender and non-binary people to receive quality and equitable care based on their individual nee...
The Tide That Lifts All Ships
April 20, 2023 11:05 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MBIn this seventh season host, Ashley D. Freeman has an inter-generational conversation with Pamela Browner White about their origin stories and how they were first introduced to the healthcare system. How did caregiving at a young age for their parental units impact their outlook on advocacy and how to navigate the healthcare system? Listen as they exchange stories about harms endured by black people through the experiments on Henrietta Lacks and J. Marion Sims' experiments on black women for...
Closer to Creating Solutions
November 16, 2022 21:46 - 18 minutes - 25.8 MBListen as Reggie Tucker-Seeley shares his professional career journey and the path that has led him to his current role so he can be closer to creating solutions in the communities and populations he wants to serve. With over 20 years of public health experience, he walks us through the importance of not only defining health equity, health disparities and social determinants of health, but also creating a framework for creating change in those areas. This season is brought to you in collab...
The Highest Goal of Health Equity is for Us to Be Fully Ourselves
November 03, 2022 11:40 - 22 minutes - 30.6 MBEverything that happens in your life affects your ability to be healthy, to be well, and to be yourself. It's integral to connect clinical experiences to lived experiences happening outside of the doctor's office- in our communities, families, and neighborhoods. Kellan Baker reminds us that patients are experts in themselves and should be respected as partners in their healthcare journey. Listen as he shares with us the highest goal of health equity is to be fully ourselves. It makes it poss...
Partnering by Invitation Only
October 20, 2022 15:21 - 21 minutes - 29.2 MBWhen conducting research how do you build a healthy relationship with the community you are working with? Trust is a key component especially in marginalized communities that have a history of being harmed and mistreated. Katie Cueva shares that it's integral for researchers to be invited into communities and ensure that their intentions are centered around the best interest of those who they serve. Listen as Katie shares about the historical context of racism and colonialism in Alaska and h...
Breaking Connections That Lead to Inequities
October 10, 2022 18:50 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBKey living conditions such as safe housing, transportation, violence, access to nutritious foods, and polluted water all have a profound impact on our health outcomes. Dr. Zinzi Bailey explains what social determinants of health are and how they shape the landscape of our health journey. How are the social systems of racism, classism, heterosexism, and ableism driving the pattern and distribution of living conditions? Listen as Dr. Bailey challenges us to break the preconceived notions that ...
Identity and the Health Care Experience
September 21, 2022 20:36 - 22 minutes - 30.8 MBEvery day, our experiences are shaped by our race, gender and even our age. But how does our identity shape the health care we receive and provide? Listen as Hanane Abdalla, Arthur Pope, MD, PhD and Sandra Sufian, PhD, MPH share their stories about how their identities impact their lives, their work and their ability to deliver and receive equitable health care. This season is brought to you in collaboration with ZERO- The End of Prostate Cancer (ZERO). This builds upon the Promoting He...
Dying to be Heard
September 07, 2022 14:17 - 17 minutes - 24.4 MBThe health concerns of Black women are frequently dismissed which contributes to the growing disparities and worse health outcomes. Listen as Adrienne Moore, a two-time cancer survivor, respiratory therapist and patient advocate shares her harrowing story about how identity delayed her cancer diagnosis and inspired her to become an activist seeking health equity for young, Black women whose voices often go unheard. This season is brought to you in collaboration with ZERO- The End of Prosta...
Using Narrative Medicine to Have Agency Over Your Health Care Journey
May 12, 2022 17:03 - 24 minutes - 34 MBWhen we redefine health literacy as clear health communication it allows for accountability to be shared with all parties involved instead of placing the onus and understanding solely on the patient. Derek McCracken challenges us to view the ability to express ourselves easily and articulately as more than just a state of literacy, but instead as a process. Listen as he shares how narrative medicine is built on the pillars of attention, representation, and affiliation to equ...
Using Narrative Medicine to Have Agency Over Your Health Care Journey
May 12, 2022 17:03 - 24 minutes - 34 MBWhen we redefine health literacy as clear health communication it allows for accountability to be shared with all parties involved instead of placing the onus and understanding solely on the patient. Derek McCracken challenges us to view the ability to express ourselves easily and articulately as more than just a state of literacy, but instead as a process. Listen as he shares how narrative medicine is built on the pillars of attention, representation, and affiliation to equip health care pr...
Dissecting the Multiple Layers of Health Literacy
May 09, 2022 16:40 - 20 minutes - 28.7 MBWhen we say health literacy what do we really mean? Our choice of language and the titles we attribute to people is multilayered. Lisa Stewart dissects ways we can approach communication with a spirit of respect and compassion which allows us to understand each other better and mitigate bias. This helps us realize that literacy is a responsibility of all parties involved. We can discover more specific terms that adequately explain what we mean such as structural or social determinants of he...
Dissecting the Multiple Layers of Health Literacy
May 09, 2022 16:40 - 20 minutes - 28.7 MBWhen we say health literacy what do we really mean? Our choice of language and the titles we attribute to people is multilayered. Lisa Stewart dissects ways we can approach communication with a spirit of respect and compassion which allows us to understand each other better and mitigate bias. This helps us realize that literacy is a responsibility of all parties involved. We can discover more specific terms that adequately explain what we mean such as structural or social d...
Centering Primary Care with Humility, Respect and Compassion
April 14, 2022 21:32 - 23 minutes - 32.8 MBYour primary care physician can sometimes be the provider that you interact with the most, so it would be ideal for that relationship to be a trusted, consistent, safe space for you. Dr. Carl Earl Lambert Jr. pursued family medicine so he could build lasting relationships with his patients, earn their trust and help them take ownership of their health care journey. Listen as he shares with us the "check in and check in often" method, the art of inquiry and other approaches h...
Centering Primary Care with Humility, Respect and Compassion
April 14, 2022 21:32 - 23 minutes - 32.8 MBYour primary care physician can sometimes be the provider that you interact with the most, so it would be ideal for that relationship to be a trusted, consistent, safe space for you. Dr. Carl Earl Lambert Jr. pursued family medicine so he could build lasting relationships with his patients, earn their trust and help them take ownership of their health care journey. Listen as he shares with us the "check in and check in often" method, the art of inquiry and other approaches he takes to ensure...
The Power of Human Connection in Care Delivery
March 31, 2022 12:19 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MBHuman connection is essential to building relationships and communicating effectively. Sometimes we overlook the power of these elements when thinking about the relationship between providers and their patients. Beverly Rogers is an 80 year old breast cancer survivor, advocate, caregiver and entrepreneur who uses her experiences and expertise to help empower other patients. She shares tangible examples of successful communication methods she and her provider use. Listen as B...
The Power of Human Connection in Care Delivery
March 31, 2022 12:19 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MBHuman connection is essential to building relationships and communicating effectively. Sometimes we overlook the power of these elements when thinking about the relationship between providers and their patients. Beverly Rogers is an 80 year old breast cancer survivor, advocate, caregiver and entrepreneur who uses her experiences and expertise to help empower other patients. She shares tangible examples of successful communication methods she and her provider use. Listen as Beverly highlights...
Redefine Health Literacy
March 17, 2022 12:47 - 25 minutes - 35.1 MBIn this episode, Christine Wilson, vice president of advocacy communications and marketing for the National Patient Advocate Foundation, describes how we can redefine and reframe health literacy and the actions we can take to help facilitate equitable health care for patients, families and communities. She shares examples of how when communication is a two way street between patients and providers it can lead to successful outcomes. Listen as Christine explores the communica...
Redefine Health Literacy
March 17, 2022 12:47 - 25 minutes - 35.1 MBIn this episode, Christine Wilson, vice president of advocacy communications and marketing for the National Patient Advocate Foundation, describes how we can redefine and reframe health literacy and the actions we can take to help facilitate equitable health care for patients, families and communities. She shares examples of how when communication is a two way street between patients and providers it can lead to successful outcomes. Listen as Christine explores the communications barriers an...
Financial Navigation: Bridging the Gap Between the System and the Patient
November 17, 2021 13:35 - 17 minutes - 23.8 MBPatients sometimes have to make difficult decisions when pursuing the quality and affordable health care they deserve. When financial navigators and the full care team work together to find solutions for patients it results in better outcomes. Through Zinkeng Asonganyi's career he has worked closely in oncology and pharmacy administration which has allowed him to have a deep understanding of the intricacies of financial and social needs. Listen as he shares about the importance of financial ...
Financial Navigation: Bridging the Gap Between the System and the Patient
November 17, 2021 13:35 - 17 minutes - 23.8 MBPatients sometimes have to make difficult decisions when pursuing the quality and affordable health care they deserve. When financial navigators and the full care team work together to find solutions for patients it results in better outcomes. Through Zinkeng Asonganyi's career he has worked closely in oncology and pharmacy administration which has allowed him to have a deep understanding of the intricacies of financial and social needs. Listen as he shares about the importa...
Centering the Experiences of Patients
November 15, 2021 20:29 - 25 minutes - 34.5 MBThe experiences of patients should be the center of research, policy development, and health care. Susan Perez has devoted a large portion of her career to ensure that her work not only honors patients but incorporates their input at a high level. In order to truly develop solutions that address both financial and social needs, it's imperative to address the many different stakeholder voices that should be involved. Listen as Susan Perez discusses the importance of not only ...
Centering the Experiences of Patients
November 15, 2021 20:29 - 25 minutes - 34.5 MBThe experiences of patients should be the center of research, policy development, and health care. Susan Perez has devoted a large portion of her career to ensure that her work not only honors patients but incorporates their input at a high level. In order to truly develop solutions that address both financial and social needs, it's imperative to address the many different stakeholder voices that should be involved. Listen as Susan Perez discusses the importance of not only having cost of ca...
Bringing Care to the Community
November 15, 2021 20:21 - 18 minutes - 25.8 MBAs a teenager, Jamie Stokley became the caregiver for her mother and was determined to make sure that her mom lived a full life in spite of any health challenges. While navigating the health system, she realized the many gaps that existed. This experience led her to pursue a career in healthcare to help educate and support other families. Through Jamie's work she leads a staff of home health aides who provide direct in-home service to the elderly and disabled. Additionally, ...
Bringing Care to the Community
November 15, 2021 20:21 - 18 minutes - 25.8 MBAs a teenager, Jamie Stokley became the caregiver for her mother and was determined to make sure that her mom lived a full life in spite of any health challenges. While navigating the health system, she realized the many gaps that existed. This experience led her to pursue a career in healthcare to help educate and support other families. Through Jamie's work she leads a staff of home health aides who provide direct in-home service to the elderly and disabled. Additionally, she has an advoca...
Addressing Social Needs to Achieve Health Equity
September 28, 2021 13:41 - 19 minutes - 27.3 MBIn this episode, Rebecca Kirch, Executive Vice President of Policy and Programs for the National Patient Advocate Foundation, describes the important role social and financial needs navigation services contribute to advancing health equity. All people should have the ability to determine their health decisions based on what’s best for them in the context of their own circumstances, without worrying about financial devastation. Policies and programs expanding availability of needs navigation ...
Addressing Social Needs to Achieve Health Equity
September 28, 2021 13:41 - 19 minutes - 27.3 MBIn this episode, Rebecca Kirch, Executive Vice President of Policy and Programs for the National Patient Advocate Foundation, describes the important role social and financial needs navigation services contribute to advancing health equity. All people should have the ability to determine their health decisions based on what’s best for them in the context of their own circumstances, without worrying about financial devastation. Policies and programs expanding availability of ...
How Patient Advocate Foundation Provides Hope
September 07, 2021 19:07 - 19 minutes - 27.3 MBBrooke Flores has worked for Patient Advocate Foundation for three years helping clients find solutions one case at a time. Her area of expertise is in helping patients with appeals and denials. During Covid-19 she served a patient, Joe Sweeny and helped him navigate the reduction of a $175,000 medical bill. Listen as both of them recount the journey and provide a description of how Patient Advocate Foundation provides hope to clients as they navigate the healthcare system. ...
How Patient Advocate Foundation Provides Hope
September 07, 2021 19:07 - 19 minutes - 27.3 MBBrooke Flores has worked for Patient Advocate Foundation for three years helping clients find solutions one case at a time. Her area of expertise is in helping patients with appeals and denials. During Covid-19 she served a patient, Joe Sweeny and helped him navigate the reduction of a $175,000 medical bill. Listen as both of them recount the journey and provide a description of how Patient Advocate Foundation provides hope to clients as they navigate the healthcare system.
Helping Patients Find Comfort at End of Life
August 13, 2021 17:42 - 18 minutes - 25.4 MBEnd of life care can be uncomfortable but there are many support systems in place to help patients and their loved ones navigate that unique time. James Johnson, a social worker at Multicare Home Health and Hospice in Tacoma, Washington shares how he empowers patients to communicate their preferences and serves as a connector between the patient, caregivers and providers. Listen as he shares stories about the people he has supported through their end of life to make sure qua...
Helping Patients Find Comfort at End of Life
August 13, 2021 17:42 - 18 minutes - 25.4 MBEnd of life care can be uncomfortable but there are many support systems in place to help patients and their loved ones navigate that unique time. James Johnson, a social worker at Multicare Home Health and Hospice in Tacoma, Washington shares how he empowers patients to communicate their preferences and serves as a connector between the patient, caregivers and providers. Listen as he shares stories about the people he has supported through their end of life to make sure quality and comfort ...
The Heart of Case Management
July 21, 2021 12:57 - 24 minutes - 33.9 MBJacqueline Beard has worked for Patient Advocate Foundation for 18 years helping clients find solutions one case at a time. Her area of expertise is in helping patients expedite their disability claims but as you listen you’ll realize that her work has creative nuances. A patient might call in about one particular issue but through compassionate listening, Jackie and other PAF’s case managers are able to uncover multiple ways to help serve the patient and get them the best care and overall q...
The Heart of Case Management
July 21, 2021 12:57 - 24 minutes - 33.9 MBJacqueline Beard has worked for Patient Advocate Foundation for 18 years helping clients find solutions one case at a time. Her area of expertise is in helping patients expedite their disability claims but as you listen you’ll realize that her work has creative nuances. A patient might call in about one particular issue but through compassionate listening, Jackie and other PAF’s case managers are able to uncover multiple ways to help serve the patient and get them the best c...
Navigating our Complex Health Care System
July 13, 2021 06:40 - 23 minutes - 31.8 MBThis year, Patient Advocate Foundation is celebrating 25 years of providing service to people facing serious illnesses. In this podcast, our CEO Alan Balch talks about the work we do and why it is so important. He highlights the extraordinary contributions that PAF caseworkers make in helping patients and caregivers navigate a complex health care system. For so many people, being diagnosed with a serious or chronic disease disrupts their entire life and can with it crushing ...
Navigating our Complex Health Care System
July 13, 2021 06:40 - 23 minutes - 31.8 MBThis year, Patient Advocate Foundation is celebrating 25 years of providing service to people facing serious illnesses. In this podcast, our CEO Alan Balch talks about the work we do and why it is so important. He highlights the extraordinary contributions that PAF caseworkers make in helping patients and caregivers navigate a complex health care system. For so many people, being diagnosed with a serious or chronic disease disrupts their entire life and can with it crushing financial and soc...
Using Her Caregiving Journey to Help Others
May 12, 2021 13:22 - 17 minutes - 23.6 MBAt a young age Mica Saunders developed a reverence and understanding of the elderly thanks to her mom taking her to work with her at an assisted living home. Mica's early exposure inspired her to create her own business Moxie Movez, where she does brain games and physical activity with the elderly to help them keep their mojo and stamina. Her knowledge and passion for this field equipped her to navigate her own personal caregiving journey with both of her grandmothers who were diagnosed with...
Using Her Caregiving Journey to Help Others
May 12, 2021 13:22 - 17 minutes - 23.6 MBAt a young age Mica Saunders developed a reverence and understanding of the elderly thanks to her mom taking her to work with her at an assisted living home. Mica's early exposure inspired her to create her own business Moxie Movez, where she does brain games and physical activity with the elderly to help them keep their mojo and stamina. Her knowledge and passion for this field equipped her to navigate her own personal caregiving journey with both of her grandmothers who we...
Consistently Providing Care with Compassion
May 05, 2021 13:16 - 20 minutes - 27.8 MBEmily Brown’s commitment to helping people access equitable quality care was inspired by her watching a loved one navigate the health care system after being diagnosed with an illness. Listen as Emily shares how professional caregiving has been a constant theme woven throughout her career working at the Program for the All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Williamsburg Convalescent Center and Patient Advocate Foundation for the last 8 years. She shares about the mindset and approach she...
Consistently Providing Care with Compassion
May 05, 2021 13:16 - 20 minutes - 27.8 MBEmily Brown’s commitment to helping people access equitable quality care was inspired by her watching a loved one navigate the health care system after being diagnosed with an illness. Listen as Emily shares how professional caregiving has been a constant theme woven throughout her career working at the Program for the All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Williamsburg Convalescent Center and Patient Advocate Foundation for the last 8 years. She shares about the mindset...
The Delicate Dance of Caregiving
April 28, 2021 00:44 - 19 minutes - 26.9 MBCrispín Goytia-Vásquez is no stranger to caregiving, she has provided care for many family members since her early 20s. Her experiences have taught her the delicate dance of caregiving, which is the balance she has found caring for someone while also respecting their autonomy. Crispin shares the importance of setting boundaries as a form of self-care. Hear how her and her husband helped each other survive Covid-19. Visit our website to explore show notes, additional epis...
The Delicate Dance of Caregiving
April 28, 2021 00:44 - 19 minutes - 26.9 MBCrispín Goytia-Vásquez is no stranger to caregiving, she has provided care for many family members since her early 20s. Her experiences have taught her the delicate dance of caregiving, which is the balance she has found caring for someone while also respecting their autonomy. Crispin shares the importance of setting boundaries as a form of self-care. Hear how her and her husband helped each other survive Covid-19. Visit our website to explore show notes, additional episodes and our miss...
Providing Care by Walking Alongside
April 21, 2021 17:09 - 24 minutes - 33.4 MBCommunity health workers are an essential part of the caregiving team. Denise Smith who is the Executive Director of the National Association of Community Health Workers shares how trust is at the center of the work her team provides. Walking alongside those who you care for is truly the most compassionate way of approaching how to serve and help people at the highest level. Visit our website to explore show notes, additional episodes and our mission: http://bit.ly/NPAFpod Connect with u...
Providing Care by Walking Alongside
April 21, 2021 17:09 - 24 minutes - 33.4 MBCommunity health workers are an essential part of the caregiving team. Denise Smith who is the Executive Director of the National Association of Community Health Workers shares how trust is at the center of the work her team provides. Walking alongside those who you care for is truly the most compassionate way of approaching how to serve and help people at the highest level. Visit our website to explore show notes, additional episodes and our mission: http://bit.ly/NPAFpod...
You Call it…We Call it Caregiving
April 07, 2021 03:21 - 29 minutes - 41 MBYou call it taking your grandmother to the doctor, but Bea Rector and her team at the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services help people understand they are actually caregivers, and provide them with the resources they need to fulfill that role. Bea talks about her state's program to give caregivers access to services ranging from transportation and housework to acupuncture. She also discusses the work they do to measure the impact of these services and th...
You Call it…We Call it Caregiving
April 07, 2021 03:21 - 29 minutes - 41 MBYou call it taking your grandmother to the doctor, but Bea Rector and her team at the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services help people understand they are actually caregivers, and provide them with the resources they need to fulfill that role. Bea talks about her state's program to give caregivers access to services ranging from transportation and housework to acupuncture. She also discusses the work they do to measure the impact of these services and their economic as w...
The Blessings and Burdens of the Caregiving Journey
March 17, 2021 12:57 - 17 minutes - 24 MBJanice Williams began her career as a nurse twenty-five years ago, serving her community in a multitude of ways. Even with all of her health care experience and knowledge, nothing was able to fully prepare her for the journey of becoming a caregiver for her father. As she discovered all the strategy, knowledge, and rest she would need as a caregiver, it inspired her to start a non-profit, Caregiver's Respite in 2010 to support family caregivers through education, encouragement, and events. J...
The Blessings and Burdens of the Caregiving Journey
March 17, 2021 12:57 - 17 minutes - 24 MBJanice Williams began her career as a nurse twenty-five years ago, serving her community in a multitude of ways. Even with all of her health care experience and knowledge, nothing was able to fully prepare her for the journey of becoming a caregiver for her father. As she discovered all the strategy, knowledge, and rest she would need as a caregiver, it inspired her to start a non-profit, Caregiver's Respite in 2010 to support family caregivers through education, encourageme...
Appreciating the Calling to Become a Caregiver
March 03, 2021 19:35 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MBShonta Chambers has been a caregiver for over 20 years, providing care for her mother who has multiple sclerosis and her father, a stroke survivor. In the last year, both of her parents overcame Covid-19. She needed all her professional skills and personal experiences to balance caring for her parents, being a mother, and keeping herself healthy. Shonta talks about the emotional and physical impact of this work and how she's honored to receive the calling for this journey b...
Appreciating the Calling to Become a Caregiver
March 03, 2021 19:35 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MBShonta Chambers has been a caregiver for over 20 years, providing care for her mother who has multiple sclerosis and her father, a stroke survivor. In the last year, both of her parents overcame Covid-19. She needed all her professional skills and personal experiences to balance caring for her parents, being a mother, and keeping herself healthy. Shonta talks about the emotional and physical impact of this work and how she's honored to receive the calling for this journey because it allowed...