American Liver Foundation Kicks Off “Lend Your Voice” Summer Advocacy Campaign
Patients, caregivers, and family members meet with Members of Congress to press for action on liver health
Liver disease affects more than 100 million Americans, yet federal investment in early diagnosis, prevention, treatment and research continue to lag far behind other chronic diseases. This summer, American Liver Foundation (ALF) advocates will meet virtually and in-person with elected officials in their local cities and towns to share their liver stories and lend their voices to urge action.
“We cannot expect liver disease to be top of mind for every Member of Congress unless we make it that way,” said Lorraine Stiehl, Chief Executive Officer of American Liver Foundation. “Our collective voices sharing the personal struggles, the triumphs, and the vast needs of the liver community are what will make the difference in advancing early detection, better treatments, lower cost prescriptions, and protections for living donors. Our patient voices send the most powerful message.”
"Meeting with our members of Congress is important so that they are aware of the prevalence of liver disease in our state,” said Evelyn Rivera, an ALF Advocacy Ambassador and liver transplant patient from New Mexico. “We need to encourage them to support legislation to educate, prevent, and provide medical intervention.”
The Lend Your Voice campaign kicked off with virtual advocate trainings and will run through the end of August. Advocates will be urging Members of Congress to support ALF’s legislative priorities which are to support full funding of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ); encourage co-sponsorship of legislation that will treat and reduce obesity in older Americans as obesity is a leading cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (now called metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease); ensure access and lower costs to therapeutic treatments through the Safe Step and HELP Copays Acts; and remove barriers for living donors through the Living Donor Protection Act and Honor our Living Donors Act.
Take action for liver disease by becoming a Liver Life Advocate. Learn more at liverfoundation.org/advocacy.
About the American Liver Foundation
American Liver Foundation (ALF) is a national community of patients, caregivers and medical professionals dedicated to helping people improve their liver health. Providing guidance and life-saving resources, we are a beacon for the 100 million Americans affected by liver disease. We advocate for patients and families, fund medical research and educate the public about liver wellness and disease prevention. We bring people together through our educational programs and events and create a network of support that lasts a lifetime. ALF is the largest organization focused on all liver diseases and the trusted voice for patients and families living with liver disease. For more information visit www.liverfoundation.org or call: 1 800 GO LIVER (800-465-4837).