The activist consumer advisory board: Using CABs for policy advocacy, health education and social justice

Wednesday, June 1, 2016: 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Broadway IV (Hilton Portland)
Through combined lecture and facilitated discussion, three consumers discuss the unique role that Consumer Advisory Boards and Consumer Advisory Committees can play in policy advocacy and consumer health education. We highlight the work of "activist" CABs in Miami and Atlanta and an "activist" CAC in Los Angeles, in which CAB and CAC members engage with government regulators, community organizations and legislators to advocate on homelessness issues such as alternatives to homelessness criminalization and promotion of Medicaid expansion; support activities such as art fairs, community health fairs and consumer focus groups; and sensitize the public to homelessness matters in order to dispel myths surrounding the causes of homelessness. Our CABs and CAC also furnish peer support and help educate consumers on health matters and chronic diseases that disproportionately affect the homeless population. Key content topics include navigating legal and institutional barriers to effective advocacy; tying health education to clinical quality indicators; and sensitizing the public to homelessness issues. This workshop is important because it would help to empower CABs and CACs nationwide to take a leadership role in advocacy, education and social justice matters. This workshop is also important to inform Health Care for the Homeless Projects nationwide of the collaborative role that CABs and CACs can play in helping HCH clinics to more effectively achieve their missions and goals.
Speakers:
David Peery, JD (Chairperson, Camillus Consumer Advisory Board, Camillus Health Concern)
Tina Hayes, N/A (NCAB Co-Chair, Chairperson Mercy Care Consumer Advisory Board, Mercy Care)
T. Sukari Finley, N/A (NCAB Secretary, Co-chair Los Angeles Christian Centers Consumer Advisory Committee, Los Angeles Christian Centers)
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