Chronic Disease Month: Turning Patient Voices Into Action

July is Chronic Disease Month, an opportunity to recognize the experiences of people who manage long-term health conditions and to make sure their voices are included in the decisions that affect their care.

The Northwest Kidney Council was happy to join the chronic disease community for the Chronic Disease Day live event on July 10. Hosted by the Chronic Disease Coalition, the event shared findings from a national survey of 1,000 people living with chronic disease and paired the data with personal perspectives from patient ambassadors. The discussion showed how chronic illness can affect far more than medical appointments, including mental health, employment, household finances and the ability to access appropriate care.

Those experiences matter to people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Oregon and Washington. Many kidney patients are also managing diabetes or high blood pressure, the two most common causes of CKD. Policies that affect coverage, affordability and access to care can therefore have a direct and lasting impact on patients and families throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Chronic Disease Month is also a reminder that advocacy can take many forms. The Chronic Disease Coalition offers several resources to help patients, caregivers, and advocates learn more and get involved:

• The Chronic Disease Day event recap and patient petition, which highlight the experiences and priorities of people living with chronic disease.

• The Chronic Disease Advocacy Toolkit, with practical guidance on sharing personal experiences and contacting policymakers.

• A nonpartisan voter guide focused on health care issues that matter to the chronic disease community.

No one has to become an expert advocate overnight. Advocacy can begin with learning more, talking with family and friends, sharing a personal experience or asking an elected

leader to listen to patients. Each of those actions helps make chronic disease visible.

Throughout July, the Northwest Kidney Council is pleased to stand with patients, caregivers and advocates across the chronic disease community. By sharing resources and making room for patient voices, we can help ensure that health policy reflects the realities of the people who rely on the health care system every day.