The AWIR also invests in the ACR’s Advocacy Fund, which is used to support the expansion of RheumPAC’s donor base, expand participation in the ACR’s annual fly-in and more. “Overall,” Ms. Colton says, “the ACR and AWIR have a great collaborative partnership, and we look forward to continuing our work together.”
Making New Connections
Several specific ACR encounters at the AWIR meeting illustrate the importance and value of this collaboration. For one, Ms. Colton says, AWIR is a great venue to promote some lesser-known facets of ACR advocacy, such as monitoring emerging issues with private payers. “I was able to underscore the unique work of the ACR’s Insurance Subcommittee and the resources that we offer,” she says.
The ACR hosted a booth at the AWIR annual conference.
Direct connections with AWIR members were also a highlight for Ms. Colston at the meeting. One that stands out was a discussion with a fellow who is about to enter private practice in Seattle following completion of her program. She is excited to put down roots in her new place, including getting involved in advocacy both at the state and federal level. At the ACR booth, the fellow was able to sign up to receive action alerts and learn more about the ACR’s health policy priorities. “It is critical to meet advocates where they are to make integrating advocacy into their practice of medicine as easy as possible,” Ms. Colton stresses.
Time to connect with AWIR advocacy colleagues Dr. Melton and Dr. Ott was also a highlight of the meeting for Ms. Colton. “It was wonderful to provide an advocacy update alongside my advocacy colleagues, who have both volunteered their time with ACR committees,” she says, describing the joint education session as a great opportunity to demonstrate the work of the ACR’s advocacy team in action. Dr. Melton echoes this sentiment from the AWIR.
