The hottest Advocacy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Steps for Practitioners to Advocate for Higher-Weight Patients/Clients

Weight and Healthcare • 519 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Advocacy
  1. Recognize that higher-weight individuals deserve respect and healthcare, regardless of their size.
  2. Shift to a weight-neutral paradigm to support patients in the bodies they have, focusing on health rather than weight loss.
  3. Identify gaps in caring for higher-weight patients, work towards a healthcare system accessible to people of all sizes, and advocate for systemic change.

What To Do When Weight Stigma Makes You Want To Avoid The Doctor

Weight and Healthcare • 519 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Advocacy
  1. Weight stigma in healthcare can lead to higher-weight individuals avoiding going to the doctor altogether.
  2. It's important to advocate for yourself when facing weight stigma in medical settings and not let it deter you from seeking care.
  3. Bringing along an advocate and practicing how to deal with weight stigma in advance can help improve the healthcare experience.

Americans can't afford their out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy counter. Legislators on both sides of the aisle are taking action.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 479 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. Many Americans are struggling to afford their medication costs at the pharmacy, which is forcing them to leave without the medicines they need.
  2. Big insurance companies have gained too much control over drug prices, causing many patients to pay more at the counter while receiving less help from their insurance.
  3. Bipartisan action is happening in Congress to reform pharmacy benefit managers, with bills aiming to lower out-of-pocket costs for patients and increase price transparency.

Legislators and advocacy groups in Washington still have their sights set on PBM reform

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 179 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. Legislators in Washington want to change how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) operate because many think their practices are hurting patients and pharmacies.
  2. There is support from both political parties to reform PBMs, but lobbyists are trying to stop these changes to protect profit margins.
  3. Pharmacists and businesses need to be aware of PBM practices and take action now, as reforms could save them a lot of money and make medications more affordable.
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The Truth About The Obesity Action Coalition

Weight and Healthcare • 639 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Advocacy
  1. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is not an advocacy group for higher-weight people, but predominantly funded by and lobbies for the priorities of the weight loss industry.
  2. OAC's priorities aim to expand Medicare coverage for weight loss interventions, revealing ties to the weight loss industry such as funding from companies producing weight loss drugs and surgical equipment.
  3. There are parallels between OAC's actions and the tactics used by pharmaceutical companies in the past, like Purdue Pharma, to influence healthcare organizations and profit from weight loss interventions.

Balsa Update and General Thank You

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1881 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. The focus of the Balsa project is on repealing the Jones Act to make a positive impact.
  2. Another area of interest for Balsa is federal housing reform, aiming to address economic issues and expand policy reform.
  3. Balsa also plans to work on initiatives related to NEPA, aiming to replace current environmental regulations with cost-benefit analysis for development projects.

Asking for Accommodations as a Higher-Weight Person - Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 539 implied HN points • 01 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Advocacy
  1. Fat people deserve access to healthcare and may need to advocate for themselves due to anti-fat attitudes and lack of proper training in medical settings.
  2. When advocating for accommodations, knowing if weight discrimination laws exist in your location or if disability laws may apply is important.
  3. Tips for advocating include asking questions about alternative tests or treatments, taking notes, having a witness, calling ahead to ensure accommodations, and advocating not just for yourself but for future fat individuals as well.

Pay $6100 or Endure 18 1/2 Minutes of Torture?

Ladyparts • 818 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Advocacy
  1. The healthcare system in America presents absurd choices to individuals, forcing them to make challenging decisions in times of need.
  2. There is a disparity in experiences and income levels between men and women, leading to different perspectives on issues like healthcare and tone policing.
  3. Women continue to face challenges such as being tone policed and earning less than men, highlighting the ongoing gender inequalities that persist.

Asking for Accommodations as a Higher-Weight Person Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 499 implied HN points • 28 Jan 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Advocacy
  1. Places should be set up to accommodate everyone, but this isn't always the case. People may need to ask for accommodations due to factors like size, disability, or other marginalized identities.
  2. Asking for accommodations can bring up emotional challenges like stress and shame. It's important to know that asking for accommodations is not asking for special treatment, but rather for the same access others already have.
  3. There are approaches to requesting accommodations, such as determining when to ask, who to ask, how to ask, and what to do if the request is denied. It's crucial to remember that requesting accommodations is not about seeking special favors, but ensuring equal access.

Sports New Zealand is kicking women into touch again. It's getting to be a habit.

A B’Old Woman • 519 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎾 Sports Advocacy
  1. Women have fought hard for the rights to participate in sports, but now there are concerns about fairness when men claim to be women and join women's sports.
  2. Some believe that men maintain a physical advantage over women, even after lowering their testosterone levels, which raises safety and fairness issues in competitions.
  3. Policies that allow men in women's sports are seen by some as disrespectful to women and their achievements, prompting calls for clearer rules that protect women's categories.

European Union Reaches Agreement on New Repair Laws

Fight to Repair • 138 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Advocacy
  1. EU has agreed on new repair laws requiring manufacturers to repair common household products and provide repair information to consumers.
  2. The new repair laws also allow consumers to borrow a device while theirs is being fixed and offer refurbished units as alternatives.
  3. Advocates are pushing for more expansive legislation beyond the new repair rules to increase repair accessibility and spare parts availability.

Why Housing Vouchers Need a YIMBY Movement

The New Urban Order • 139 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. YIMBY movement has had significant successes in housing reforms, but the impact on housing supply and affordability is uncertain.
  2. While YIMBYism appeals to various political ideologies, it may not address the need for subsidized housing for the growing number of Americans in poverty.
  3. Advocating for the expansion of project-based vouchers, which offer federally guaranteed rent and simplify affordable housing development, could be a more pragmatic and cross-over approach embraced by developers and policymakers.

Fear And Anger In The Heart of NIMBY

Cornerstone • 99 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. Zoning reform opponents want people to be confused, angry, and fearful, but reform supporters aim to inform people with the belief that information is on their side.
  2. Negative behavior and attacks from opponents persist, making it challenging to engage in positive dialogue and find common ground in housing advocacy.
  3. NIMBYism is driven by a deep fear of change, with opponents believing increased housing density will disrupt their lives, creating a generational and emotional divide in housing debates.

Colleague on Jennifer Friedenbach: 'She doesn’t want to kill the goose that lays the golden egg'

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 196 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. Jennifer Friedenbach is the executive director of Coalition on Homelessness and has faced criticism for her lack of qualifications and questionable financial decisions.
  2. The Coalition on Homelessness lacks transparency in their financial reports, with questionable classification of expenses and no clear demonstration of results.
  3. Friedenbach's involvement in conflicts of interest, such as granting her own nonprofit a large grant from an oversight committee she chairs, raises concerns about ethical practices in addressing homelessness issues.

Guaranteed-income realism

Hypertext • 99 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. Developing policies like the Child Tax Credit can mirror elements of Milton Friedman's negative income tax, demonstrating the challenges of passing sweeping policies.
  2. Advocates propose refocusing on programs like the Child Tax Credit rather than a more universal approach, citing potential benefits and fewer political obstacles.
  3. Considering alternative approaches like total income phase-out (TIP) for welfare programs could offer new paths forward without requiring immediate program repeals.

Inside the Pro-Israel Information War

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 860 HN points • 08 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Advocacy
  1. There is a concerted effort to shape online discourse and silence pro-Palestinian voices by pro-Israel forces in Silicon Valley.
  2. Pro-Israel groups are heavily involved in shaping media coverage and advocating for Israel in the public discourse.
  3. Efforts to suppress pro-Palestinian speech, influence media outlets, and lobby lawmakers are prominent in the pro-Israel information war.

Ideas for the YIMBY Movement to Better Include Women | YIMBYtown 2024

Cornerstone • 79 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Advocacy
  1. Male leaders should take responsibility for inclusion in the YIMBY movement instead of relying on women
  2. Men could share the burden of administrative and backend work more actively to support women in the movement
  3. It is essential to seek out and affirm the qualifications of female leaders and candidates to enhance diversity and strength in YIMBY organizations

Former PBM chief medical officer: ‘Our motives were murky at best’

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 399 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Advocacy
  1. The claims by pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) about making prescription drugs safer and more affordable are often misleading. Even though they say they help, the reality is much more complicated.
  2. PBMs profit from selling more drugs, not necessarily from helping patients save money. Instead of focusing on what’s best for patients, their main goal can be to keep their own profits high.
  3. The healthcare system in the U.S. is fragmented and expensive, leading to a push for universal coverage. There is a belief that a single-payer system could make healthcare more inclusive and affordable for everyone.

16 years ago, my story was told in Michael Moore's documentary "Sicko." I still struggle for the health care I need

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 339 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Advocacy
  1. Having health insurance isn't always enough. Many people still face huge costs and hardships despite having coverage.
  2. Medical bills can lead to severe financial strain and even bankruptcy, impacting people's lives deeply.
  3. Advocacy for better healthcare systems is crucial, and personal stories highlight the struggles that many individuals endure with the current system.

Being Heard, Believed, Not Killed

Ladyparts • 379 implied HN points • 14 Oct 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Advocacy
  1. Advocate for yourself at the doctor's office to ensure proper treatment and care.
  2. Be aware of how gender bias can affect the healthcare you receive, especially as a woman.
  3. Educate yourself on how to navigate medical situations to avoid being dismissed or receiving incorrect treatment.

Chapter 1: Beware of Burnout | Building YIMBYs of NoVA

Cornerstone • 139 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. Grassroots advocacy work can be rewarding, but it's crucial to pace yourself and avoid burnout. Taking breaks and ensuring sustainability is key in this type of work.
  2. Building a strong team and coalition is vital for the success of any advocacy organization. Empowering people and leading with humility are essential aspects of effective leadership.
  3. Creating a sustainable and effective organization requires defining and committing to core values, recruiting actively, and being authentic in building coalitions.

Must Read Right To Repair Stories from 2023

Fight to Repair • 78 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. 2023 was a significant year in the fight for Right to Repair, with more states enacting laws to support repair rights.
  2. Key victories in 2023 included the enactment of right to repair laws in New York, Minnesota, California, Colorado, and Maine, covering a wide range of electronic and mechanical devices.
  3. The push for Right to Repair gained momentum in 2023, with hearings on Capitol Hill, legal actions against manufacturers like John Deere, and support from various government bodies like the EPA and FTC.

Compassion in Action: How Harm Reduction Saves Lives & Builds Healthier Communities

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Advocacy
  1. Harm reduction focuses on compassion over punishment, preserving dignity for people who use drugs and creating healthier communities.
  2. Key principles of harm reduction include meeting individuals where they are at, using practical strategies for drug use, and respecting personal autonomy of drug users.
  3. Harm reduction strategies include education on safe practices, distribution of fentanyl test strips and Narcan, needle exchange programs, safe injection sites, medications for opioid use disorder, and safe sex education and supplies.

The Big Question: What Comes After Right-to-Repair?

Fight to Repair • 78 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Advocacy
  1. Several states have been passing comprehensive right-to-repair laws, indicating that the movement is gaining traction and popularity.
  2. The concept of the Overton window helps understand how companies like Apple are adjusting their stance on repair due to legislative and consumer pressure.
  3. The focus is shifting towards challenges beyond just access to parts and information, with emerging concerns surrounding software restrictions and product design in the right-to-repair movement.

Fat People and Joint Pain - Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 419 implied HN points • 19 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Advocacy
  1. Joint pain in fat individuals is often wrongly attributed to body size, leading to weight loss being prescribed as a cure, overlooking ethical treatments.
  2. Comparing the healthcare treatment between fat and thin individuals with joint pain reveals disparities in immediate care and long-term outcomes due to weight stigma.
  3. Prescribing weight loss as a solution for joint pain without informed consent can be unethical and ineffective, harming fat patients by delaying necessary care.

It's a Trap? Deere Signs Repair MOU With Farm Bureau

Fight to Repair • 78 implied HN points • 09 Jan 23
💼 Business Advocacy
  1. Deere signed an MOU with the American Farm Bureau Federation to provide some repair tools, but it may not give farmers complete access to necessary repair resources.
  2. Although the MOU is seen as a positive step, there are concerns about its enforcement and whether farmers will truly have all the tools needed for repairs.
  3. Despite the MOU, there are lingering questions about whether farmers will still require help from authorized providers for certain critical repairs.

Chapter 2: What YIMBYs Actually Do | Building YIMBYs of NoVA

Cornerstone • 59 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. YIMBY organizations focus on grassroots activism, engaging everyday people in advocating for policies that increase housing supply.
  2. YIMBY groups engage in different types of advocacy, including grassroots activism, grasstops advocacy, electoral politics, and advocacy through the news media.
  3. Having a clear campaign or 'MacGuffin' to organize around is crucial for YIMBY groups, helping them rally support, increase visibility, and drive their advocacy efforts.

Chapter 8: Think And Talk About Opponents As Little As Possible | Building YIMBYs of NoVA

Cornerstone • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. Think and talk about opponents as little as possible to avoid validating them and looking threatened.
  2. Focus on staying positive and productive despite attacks or intimidation. Do not take the bait.
  3. Respect opponents by understanding their motivations and where they are coming from, aiming to outmaneuver rather than dehumanize them.

In Colorado: Wheelchair Repair Law Is Already Transforming Lives

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Advocacy
  1. In Colorado, a new wheelchair repair law is enabling individuals like Bruce and Robin to have greater control over their power wheelchair settings and functions, previously controlled exclusively by manufacturers.
  2. Access to programmer applications under the law is streamlining repairs for power wheelchair users in Colorado, providing quicker diagnosis and solutions for malfunctions.
  3. The success of the wheelchair repair law in Colorado has inspired interest in similar legislation in other states, with potential challenges and opportunities for the disability community in promoting repair rights.