On Sept. 9-10, rheumatologists, rheumatology professionals and patients will converge on Washington, D.C., to make their voices heard for rheumatology.
The annual Advocates for Arthritis event brings together rheumatology professionals and patients to advocate on behalf of the rheumatology community. The program will include advocacy training, prominent guest speakers, and visits with senators and representatives in Congress to discuss current issues affecting the rheumatology community.
Ensuring patient access to high-quality rheumatology care and treatment will be a primary focus of the agenda, with advocates discussing such issues as step therapy and workforce shortages. This year, participants will encourage Congress to support the Safe Step Act of 2019 (H.R. 2279), which would empower physicians to treat their patients appropriately and in accordance with accepted guidelines. In addition, they will ask lawmakers to support workforce and training programs to ensure that the U.S. rheumatology workforce is ready to meet the country’s growing rheumatology needs.
Participating in Advocates for Arthritis is a great way for ACR and ARP members to engage in the legislative process and increase awareness of rheumatology in our nation’s capital.
Not able to join your colleagues in D.C. this September? You can still make a difference by participating in the fly-in virtually. Visit the ACR Legislative Action Center to send pre-drafted, editable messages to your lawmakers on these key issues, and follow the action on Twitter using #Act4Arthritis. ACR and ARP members in the United States can also advance rheumatology advocacy by contributing to RheumPAC.
