I just had the incredible opportunity to go to Capitol Hill for psoriasis advocacy work. To say that I was nervous is a huge understatement. I have had psoriasis since I was 15 and never had this kind of opportunity. It’s because of the National Psoriasis Foundation that I have these amazing opportunities.
Make sure to check out my Instagram and Instastory Highlights under “My Day in DC” for more details and behind the scenes shots and videos while I was there. Keep reading for more details on my psoriasis advocacy work the past couple of days while I was on Capitol Hill.
I was in the U.S. House of Representatives. CRAZY!
Meeting with Ariel Gordon, staff of Ted Cruz
In front of the U.S. Capitol
Pretty proud of this picture!
I also had the opportunity to speak with two National Psoriasis Foundation Staff Members about Capitol Hill Day, Step Therapy Reform and the great things the National Psoriasis Foundation is doing to help with Step Therapy Reform. Make sure to check out the video and read more below.
What was I doing?
- Myself and other psoriasis advocates met with Members of Congress to advocate for greater federal attention to psoriatic disease research programs and health care access legislation, including Step Therapy.
- Researchers address promising areas of psoriasis research, current gaps and future opportunities, and patients sharing personal stories as to why research and access to care is so important to them is the best tool to influence change.
What is step therapy Reform?
- Under step therapy, a patient may be required to try – and fail – one or more medications before being granted coverage for the drug originally prescribed by their health care provider.
- For the psoriatic disease community and others impacted by complex chronic conditions, this delay in access to the right treatment can result in increased
disease activity, loss of function, and possible irreversible disease progression. - In lamens terms: patients under are increasingly subjected to this process, basically hindering their ability to properly treat their disease.
Why is psoriasis advocacy work important to me?
- I still think there is so much incorrect information out there about what psoriasis is.
- I want others to have the resources that I didn’t have when I was first diagnosed.
- I also want to inspire others living with psoriasis that it is possible to have a happy, health and fashionable life while managing your disease.
- I want those who are living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to know that they are not alone.
What can I do to help support your psoriasis advocacy work?
- It can be as simple as sending a tweet or sharing a Facebook post.
- Contact the National Psoriasis Foundation Patient Navigation Center and ask about getting involved in your local events
How are you going to get involved today? I would love to hear below!
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