How to Advocate for Better Healthcare

Welcome to the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast. Today’s episode looks at what you can do to make a real difference and work to change healthcare. If you have ever felt frustrated with your insurance, your pharmacy, or the healthcare system in general, this podcast is for you.

Kortney Kwong Hing and Dr. Payel Gupta sit down with Nissa Shaffi, Director of Advocacy at Allergy & Asthma Network. Together, they explain what advocacy means for patients and doctors. Find out why understanding the healthcare system makes you a stronger advocate, and how everyday people can speak up and push for real change.

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Listen to Healthcare Advocacy Podcast

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This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Any mention of brands is also informational and not an endorsement. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns.

Key Takeaways about Patient Advocacy for Asthma and Allergies

Our hosts cover the basics of what advocacy is and how you can get involved:

  • Anyone can be an advocate. Advocacy is not just for lawyers or politicians. Patients, caregivers, and doctors can all play a role.
  • The healthcare system has many moving parts. Understanding the whole picture is what makes advocacy work. Hospitals, insurance companies, drug makers, and government agencies all share responsibility.
  • There are many ways to advocate. You do not have to go to Washington DC to make a difference. Writing a letter, sharing your story online, or attending a local meeting all count.
  • Real patient stories have changed real laws. Personal experience is one of the strongest tools an advocate has. When patients share what life with a chronic condition really looks like, lawmakers listen.
  • PALI teaches you how to advocate for free. The Patient Advocacy Leadership Initiative, a free program from Allergy & Asthma Network, gives patients the tools and language to speak up at any level of advocacy.

Timestamps for our Advocacy Podcast Episode 

01:21 — Meet Nissa Shaffi

04:05 — What is an advocate?

07:20 — Can one person really make a difference?

09:26 — Types of advocacy

11:00 — Sourcing trusted information

12:09 — When patient stories become laws

14:09 — What is PALI?

22:08 — What is a policy change?

24:44 — Legislation that Allergy & Asthma Network is supporting right now

27:10 — How to join PALI?

More resources about patient advocacy for allergy and asthma

Legislation that Allergy & Asthma Network is prioritizing this year:

See all the bills:  Advocacy page