“Finding Your Voice in the Healthcare Maze” is a 3-part series for patients, caregivers and community members that helps participants learn how to be proactive patient advocates.

During one workshop series in Colfax, NC, participants focused in on the challenges patients face when they do not have an advocate.  As they discussed how difficult it is to make treatment choices, communicating end-of-life decisions and make organ/tissue donation wishes known without an advocate in place, several participants became deeply emotional.

Christensen challenged the group to approach these major concerns the same way they would approach any other serious healthcare issue:  with the strategic mind of a patient advocate.

Within minutes the group buzzed with ideas about how to support one another as advocates. Ultimately, they decided to create a Patient Advocacy Support Group with the assistance of a chaplain who was a series participant.  The members committed to be available to others who did not have advocates.  By the end of this workshop, the tears had turned to hope.  Each member left inspired with practical ways to carry the Finding Your Voice advocacy message forward.

Watch our calendar to register for an upcoming Finding Your Voice Workshop.