Advocates for Arthritis is an annual event that brings together rheumatology professionals and patients to advocate on behalf of the rheumatology community. During the event, attendees will hear from top representatives from key legislative and regulatory agencies and meet with their members of Congress to discuss current issues affecting the rheumatology community. 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 on Capitol Hill.
2021 Advocates for Arthritis Recap
On September 28, more than 80 #Act4Arthritis advocates met virtually with over 110 legislative offices to encourage support for the modernization of prior authorization and transparency for pharmacy benefit managers. Advocates had meaningful discussions on providing better access to care and were able to build relationships with Members of Congress and their staffs.
To learn more about what occurs during these virtual visits, read A Look Inside the Advocate Experience at Advocates for Arthritis.
Stay Involved Throughout the Year
- Send messages to your elected officials. As a constituent, your opinion matters to members of Congress who are elected to represent you. Speak up and let them know how you feel about important issues facing rheumatology.
- Set up a local meeting or visit with your elected officials. This is a great opportunity to educate legislators on the importance of the the rheumatology subspecialty and the effect that arthritis and rheumatic diseases have on the quality of life.
- Stay up to date on the latest advocacy news and updates through the ACR's advocacy newsletter, ACR@Work.
- For U.S. ACR/ARP members, learn more about RheumPAC, the ACR’s nonpartisan political action committee (PAC) that works to elect and support pro-rheumatology candidates.