October News Bulletin
Community Oncology Advocacy Summit 2022 - Educating Cancer Advocates
The Community Oncology Advocacy Summit 2022 brought together patient and professional advocates, oncologists, and policy experts to explore the biggest issues facing community oncology and equip advocates with the tools to effect meaningful change in cancer care. Experts shared the latest on disparities and social determinants of health, federal cancer care policy, state-level cancer care reform, and more.
Recordings are now available for those who registered (Log in with the email you used to register. Your password to access the show is Advocacy2022!) —revisit your favorite sessions today!
Advocacy Chats - Educational Conversations on Policy Issues & Cancer Research
How 340B in Big Health Systems is Hurting Patients!
The 340B Drug Pricing Program is meant to provide access to prescription drugs at significantly discounted prices to patients in need—but the program’s current structure allows hospitals to keep cost savings instead of passing them on to patients who need them most. On October 12, 2022, COA’s Director of Patient Advocacy & Education Rose Gerber, Executive Director Ted Okon, and Managing Director Nicolas Ferreyros discussed the history of the 340B Program, how it got to its current state, the latest data on use of the program, and how it can be fixed so its results match its intentions. Stream it on @OncologyCOA’s YouTube channel today.
Understanding Advocacy in a Community Oncology Setting - Media Relations: Speaking with Media
Being interviewed by a reporter may sound like a daunting task, but it is an opportunity for advocates to share their messages and key points. It is crucial to prepare for an interview—while interview questions may be shared in advance, it is best to assume they will not.
Start by researching the reporter and identifying key points to include in the conversation. Identifying these points allows advocates to create a bridge from a question asked to an answer that incorporates key messages. If asked a question that is too complicated to accurately answer—involving specific health care policies that could impact community oncology, for example—it is best to be honest and offer to follow up with additional information when available.
Learn more about community oncology, the challenges practices face, and how you can get involved by visiting CPAN’s Education & Resources library.
