Advocacy
After experiencing the gaps in health equity firsthand, Evelyn, a two-time liver transplant recipient and proud multi-generational New Mexican, advocates to raise awareness of liver disease and increase access to liver healthcare and transplant in minority and rural populations.
The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) of 2023 is a pivotal piece of legislation that seeks to establish Medicare Part D coverage for FDA-approved anti-obesity medications and intensive behavioral therapy. This Act is not just about treating obesity; it's about preventing severe liver diseases that can arise as a result.
Meet Kathy, a passionate ALF Advocacy Ambassador and loving wife and caregiver to husband, PJ, who underwent a liver transplant in 2018.
Despite Juneteenth's nationwide recognition, when it comes to health equity and access to healthcare, disparities within the Black community still remain. ALF is working to help close some of these gaps through partnerships with community organizations such as the Black Liver Health Initiative (BLHI) at New York Presbyterian in New York City.
Courtney's experience as a first time mom was not what she expected. But thanks to a strong support system, Courtney is now a strong advocate for her daughter, Sadie, and the 100 million Americans affected by liver disease.
Meet Melissa Sanchez – a dedicated volunteer and passionate advocate for the American Liver Foundation (ALF). Melissa said, “I advocate in memory of my grandmother, Aira Sanchez, who bravely battled end stage liver disease from 2012-2014.
We need federal investments for the prevention, treatment, and cure of liver disease to improve the lives of the millions of people affected by it. Read written testimony from American Liver Foundation’s CEO, Lorraine Stiehl, asking Congress to appropriate funding for liver disease research and public health programs within HHS.
Caregivers serve as lifelines and are the primary source of love, support and strength for those in their care. In the U.S., many caregivers work jobs outside of the home in addition to providing full-time care.
Meet Dr. Robert Wong, MD, MS, Clinical Associate Professor (Affiliated) of Medicine in the division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Staff Physician in the Gastroenterology Section at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System.
“As physicians, our voices matter to legislators just as much as the voices of our patients. We too can affect change by sharing our stories and experiences. It does not require a lot of time, either – the most important thing is to show up with a smile on your face and a true passion for the cause!”
“My grandma played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue health advocacy. As a public health professional, I am dedicated to raising awareness around the importance of doing more intentional outreach, education and research with linguistically and ethnically diverse communities to achieve health equity and improve polices that benefit all community members.”
Donald Melillo participated in the evaluation of research applications submitted to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program's (CDMRP) Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP).