Congratulations to our fearless leader - CEO Eric Hargis - who was recently elected to the National Health Council (NHC) Board of Directors. The NHC is the only organization that brings together all segments of the health community to provide a united voice for the more than 133 million people with chronic diseases and disabilities and their caregivers. At the Colon Cancer Alliance, we pride ourselves on having leadership who dive in, get their hands dirty and get involved in the health care community so we can have the biggest impact possible. Working together with other leaders in the space means our footprint can be multiplied and more lives can be saved, and that is what it's all about.
This year, Eric will help the NHC in tackling these important issues:
• Championing health insurance marketplace improvements, conducting a state-by-state analysis of how “patient friendly” the exchange requirements are and educating people with chronic conditions about picking the right exchange plan by promoting an online out-of-pocket health costs calculator at puttingpatientsfirst.net.
• Encouraging the development of new treatments and diagnostic tools for people with chronic conditions through passage of the MODDERN Cures Act.
• Serving as the united patient voice before the bipartisan 21st Century Cures initiative, spearheaded by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, to ensure Congress addresses the unmet medical needs of patients, increases patient engagement in the drug development continuum, and improves data sharing to make knowledge gleaned at the point-of-care more available to researchers.
About the NHC: Made up of more than 100 national health-related organizations and businesses, the NHC’s core membership includes the nation’s leading patient advocacy organizations, which control its governance. Other members include professional and membership associations, nonprofit organizations with an interest in health, and major pharmaceutical, medical device, health insurance, and biotechnology companies. Learn more at nationalhealthcouncil.org.
Don’t forget, the Colon Cancer Alliance serves as a source of information about colon health. If you have additional questions about colon cancer screening or are in need of support, please contact our free Helpline at (877) 422-2030. We’re here to help.