Congress Approves Historic $315M for ALS Research
The U.S. just approved the largest federal ALS research budget in history at $315 million. New treatments targeting the disease's root causes are showing real promise for the first time.
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20 results for "patient advocacy"
Federal Doctor Directory Launches This Year
After more than a decade of frustration, the federal government will finally launch a centralized directory of doctors and hospitals with accurate insurance information. Patients have long struggled with outdated provider lists that leave them guessing which doctors actually take their insurance.
Push to Make Weight Loss Drugs Cheaper for Millions
Consumer advocates are asking the government to authorize cheaper versions of popular weight loss and diabetes medications that millions of Americans can't afford. The move could help patients nationwide access drugs that have been out of reach due to high prices.
Toowoomba Hospital Commits to 14 Maternity Care Reforms
After staff and patients raised concerns, an Australian hospital's maternity unit is implementing sweeping changes to improve workplace culture and patient care. All 14 recommendations from an independent review will be fully adopted.
170+ Groups Push Merck for HIV Prevention Pill Access
Patient advocates from 30 countries are already calling on Merck to ensure its promising monthly HIV prevention pill reaches everyone who needs it. The treatment could revolutionize HIV prevention by replacing daily pills with a once-a-month option.
Cancer Survivor Fights to Lower Drug Costs for Ohioans
Julie Turner beat cancer at 17, and 51 years later she's fighting to stop insurance companies from blocking medication assistance for patients. Her push for Ohio's Senate Bill 207 could save cancer patients thousands in out-of-pocket costs.
Grandfather Pushes for Rare Disease Trial Access Reform
A healthcare veteran whose granddaughter has severe epilepsy is advocating for changes that would help children excluded from clinical trials access promising treatments. His proposals could help thousands of families facing similar barriers.
Fort Worth Nonprofit Guides 8,000+ Cancer Patients Yearly
The Careity Foundation has spent 21 years helping uninsured cancer patients navigate treatment, providing everything from mammograms to emotional support. At their recent survivor luncheon, 80 people gathered to celebrate journeys of hope and healing.
Cancer Survivor Turns Heart Failure Into Hope for Women
After beating two cancers, Sherry Mengel faced an unexpected battle when chemotherapy caused congestive heart failure 19 years later. Now she's partnering with her doctor to show other women that heart disease doesn't have to be a death sentence.
Cancer Survivor Guides Patients as Nurse Navigator
Tana Toll survived breast cancer and now works as an oncology nurse navigator at Mercy San Juan Medical Center, helping newly diagnosed patients find their voice and navigate treatment. On World Cancer Day, she's sharing why speaking up and asking questions can change everything.
India Cuts Tariffs on 17 Cancer Drugs to Lower Costs
India just eliminated customs duties on 17 life-saving cancer medications, a move doctors say will make treatment more affordable for patients facing the country's growing cancer crisis. With over 1.4 million new cancer cases diagnosed annually, the policy change offers tangible financial relief to families struggling with expensive imported therapies.
New Medicare Rules Could Save Thousands on Transplant List
Over 100,000 Americans wait for organ transplants, but thousands of usable organs go unused each year. New federal rules aim to change that by encouraging doctors to use imperfect organs that could still save lives.
Breast Cancer Surgeon Shares Advice After Second Diagnosis
Dr. Anne Peled, a breast cancer surgeon, survived breast cancer twice and now helps other patients navigate their journeys. Her unique perspective as both doctor and patient offers hope to those facing similar battles.
Social Worker Creates 'Tinder' App for Cancer Patients
A new app called CancerBuddy lets cancer patients swipe to find support buddies who understand their journey. Created by a social worker with 33 years of experience, it's breaking through privacy barriers to build life-saving connections.
MS Study Amplifies Patient Voices to Improve Care
Researchers at Murdoch University analyzed over 1,800 voices of people with MS to understand their walking challenges beyond physical symptoms. Their groundbreaking approach revealed emotional and social barriers that current medical frameworks miss.
Indiana Hospital Launches Patient-Led Care Council
Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes is putting patients and families in the driver's seat with a new advisory council. The group will help shape hospital policies, improve safety, and ensure care meets real community needs.
Congress Advances Major Healthcare Wins for Patients
A sweeping healthcare deal just cleared a major hurdle, bringing reforms that could lower drug costs and expand cancer screening for millions of Americans. The $116.8 billion package includes crackdowns on industry middlemen and new pediatric cancer research funding.
Congress Revives Health Care Deal with Patient Protections
After a holiday weekend of negotiations, Congress is bringing back a bipartisan health care package that includes major reforms to pharmacy benefit managers and hospital billing practices. The deal, which was derailed in late 2024, could finally deliver protections that help millions of Americans afford their medications.
Indiana Cancer Survivors Push for Medical Debt Relief
Fifty cancer survivors are rallying at Indiana's Statehouse this week to champion legislation that would protect patients from crushing medical debt. Their mission: ensure no one has to choose between life-saving treatment and financial ruin.
Nigeria Puts Cancer Survivors at the Table for Policy
Breast cancer survivor Elizabeth Awo-Ejeh joined researchers and doctors in Nigeria for a groundbreaking session where patients helped shape the future of cancer care. The collaboration between Federal Medical Centre Abuja and the University of Manchester put survivor voices at the center of healthcare policy.