2024 Healthcare Summit

 

NFWL took over Chicago, Illinois, for an inspiring two days of healthcare policy discussions and networking with other incredible female leaders from around the country. This event brought together women who sit on healthcare committees, have professional healthcare experience, or are passionate about high quality healthcare for their constituents.

Key Summit Resources:

  • The Essential Healthcare Impact of Caregiving

    • Generation Cares, a program powered by Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), is a cross-sector initiative dedicated to improving the quality and quantity of care for older adults, people with disabilities and children. Speaker Emily Dickens, the Chief of Staff, Head of Public Affairs, and Corporate Secretary at SHRM shared  ways policymakers can elevate the needs of the caregiving workforce and working families by pursuing solutions to issues facing families, the direct care workforce, and employers.

 

 

  • Focusing on Maternal Mental Health
    • As many as 1 in 5 women will have mood and anxiety disorders while pregnant, with the most common being depression, and post-partum depression is the most common complication for women who have just had a baby. Staying committed to helping mothers and families get through challenging times is vital to every community. SpeakersJamie Belsito, the Founder & Director of Policy & Partnerships, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance and Lita Simanis, the Perinatal Mental Health Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker, highlighted the nuances and related policy issues of this topic.
      • Access Jamie Belsito’s presentation here
      • Access Lita Simians’ presentation here

 

  • Healthier Pregnancies Start with Diabetes Education & Innovation
    • Speakers Alyce Thomas, RN, FAND, the Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Diabetes Leadership Council and Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, FCCP the Endocrine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and Co-Director of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy, Cleveland Clinic Endocrinology & Metabolism Institute shared details about the importance of diabetes screening, access to technology, and education for better pregnancy outcomes.
      • Learn about Diabetes Leadership Council here
      • Access the speakers slides here

 

  • Alzheimer’s Policy Update – There have been significant advancements in Alzheimer’s research including newly approved treatments and emerging diagnostic tools. Speaker Jennifer Rosen, the Vice President of State Affairs  at the Alzheimer’s Association shared about state solutions that prioritize early detection and diagnosis. Connect with Jen here, and learn more here.

 

  • Supporting Fertility Solutions – Lisa Fawsett, the Executive Vice President of Strategy and New Market Development at Cooper Surgical and Dr. Vrunda B.Desai MD, the  Medical Director at CooperSurgical and Adjunct Assistant Professor in OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University School of Medicine spoke about how we can better enable healthcare providers to put time on the side of women, babies, and families.

 

  • The Importance of Proper Medication Disposal – This table will introduce you to MyOldMeds, an easy way for patients to find convenient disposal kiosks for unwanted, unused, or expired medicines.  Irina Butler, the Deputy Executive Director and Vice President of Compliance for Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group (PPSWG) and John Gay, the Client Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Director for MyOldMeds shared about the importance of medication disposal, and how it is good to know, there is a kiosk near you!

 

  • Innovation in Maternal Health & Access to Care – The need is urgent to ensure everyone – especially mothers and children – can live healthy lives. Speaker, Evan Hoffman, the Director of State and Local Government Affairs at Phillips shared about their commitment that through innovation and research, there are exciting tools to help achieve better outcomes.

 

  • Preventing Blindness – Treating age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and other conditions that cause leakage and growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina can be a game-changer. Sara D. Brown, MPA, the Director Of Government Affairs at Prevent Blindness shared about how public and professional education, community and patient service programs, and research are improving outcomes.

 

  • Preventing Child Neglect & Long-Term Health – Strengthening a family’s financial security and establishing greater household stability help create the conditions for all children, families, and communities to thrive. Kelly Crane, Policy & Government Relations Manager, and Catherine Murphy, Research Manager, at Prevent Child Abuse America shared about effective state policy options that prevent child neglect, support families, and ultimately build more prosperous and healthy communities.

 

  • True Cost & Cost Management – PBMs & Pricing Transparency – CVS Health believes that Healthier Happens Here and is working to transform healthcare around our customers. With an unmatched reach, we deliver high-quality, affordable healthcare and access to medications when and how our customers choose. Leanne Gassoway, the Vice President of State Government Affairs for CVS Health, shared with Summit attendees details on PBMs and how in order to continue delivering results for our patients and providing greater transparency, CVS Health and CVS Caremark are committed to rewiring our pricing strategy for greater cost transparency, putting our clients and their members ahead of the curve.
    • Access Leanne’s slides here
    • Access the True Cost formula details here

 

  • Adult Vaccines & Why They Matter – Candice Robinson, MD, MPH, the Director of Scientific Affairs and Public Health Vaccines for GSK shared how elected officials can support their constituents in a way so that people can extend their “healthspan” – or the number of years lived in good health – to match their lifespan. Vaccines can play an integral role in ensuring older adults remain vital contributors to society, while mitigating the high costs of age-related health conditions and the resulting strain on healthcare systems and public finances.
    • Access Dr. Robinson’s slides here

 

  • Obesity Policy Options for Better Health Goals – Some employer-sponsored health plans cover weight-loss medications, even if the patient doesn’t have diabetes or cardiovascular disease, but the specifics will depend partly on whether the plan is self-insured or purchased by the employer in the large-group or small-group market. Learn more about this issue, and how it impacts your constituents. Illinois Senator Cristina Castro and Dr. Veronica Johnson, MD, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, spoke about the policy and science behind the issue.
    • Access their slides here
    • View NFWL’s proposed Obesity Resolution here
    • Get connected with more obesity policy here
    • Read more about medication safety here

 

  • Rare Disease & Kidney Health – Hyperphosphatemia is a serious condition, and critical innovation is helping make an impact in patient’s lives. Matt Lash, the Director of Government Affairs at Ardelyx shared his passion for better healthcare outcomes and the importance of preserving patient access to new treatments.
    • Access the materials here

Mental Health & Impact of Tardive Dyskinesia –  Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a highly debilitating, chronic movement disorder that affects one in four people.  It is characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, and/or other body parts, which may be disruptive and negatively impact individuals. Dr. Stacy Finkbeiner, PhD, the Medical Director of Medical Affairs at Teva gave a deep dive into the complicated disorder and Mary Bartlett, a Patient Advocate, shared details on why this issue is important.

 

Looking for a resource that isn’t listed? Reach out to ayushi@womenlegislators.org and we’ll connect you to what you need to know!