NBCC Annual Advocacy Training Conference 2011 Recap

By Amy Whiffen

This year, a group of nine Women At Risk staff members, patients, and volunteers attended the NBCC Advocacy Conference on April 30th-May 3rd, 2011 in Crystal City.

The four-day conference was packed with interesting speakers, panel discussions, plenary sessions, workshops, and information. The focus this year was on the Breast Cancer Deadline 2020 and how we can “change the conversation” to end breast cancer.

Each day of the conference opened with a moment of silence to remember breast cancer advocates who had passed away. The first session provided an overview of new information related to breast cancer from industry, research, and advocacy experts.

On day two, Fran Visco, the President of NBCC, presented the Breast Cancer Deadline 2020 strategic plan. She talked about the coalition’s research on breast cancer prevention and halting metastases, as well as their work on innovative legislation and partnerships.

After two and a half days of workshops and plenary sessions on topics such as tissue banks, system change theory, biomarker research, and lobbying strategies, it was time to party. Everyone had a blast enjoying the music and dancing with their advocate friends.

Lobby Day

The weather was perfect as we headed to Capitol Hill ready to meet with our representatives and discuss our legislative priorities. This year’s priorities included:

Priority #1: Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act

Legislation that will soon be introduced to provide a strategic approach to address questions NBCC has identified as vital to end the disease.

Priority #2: Guaranteed Access to Quality Care for All

Asking representatives for continued support of the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.”

Priority #3: $150 million for the Department of Defense (DOD) Peer-Reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) for Fiscal Year 2012

Asking for continued level funding for this successful program that was created in 1992.

Priority #4: Preservation of the Medicaid Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program

Ensuring all women and men screened and diagnosed with breast cancer through federal screening programs have access to the treatment they need.

Priority #5: Ensuring the Participation of Educated Patient Advocates at All Levels of Health Care Decision Making

Ensuring that educated patient advocates have a seat at the table.

As part of New York State, our first meeting was with Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand. They arrived together, and each talked about their personal experiences with breast cancer and their appreciation for NBCC's work. They both support the DOD Breast Cancer Research Program, and both promised to be involved in passing the Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act.

In the afternoon, we broke up into teams and went to appointments with our representatives. My team met with the legislative staff of Representative Engel, Representative Nadler, and Representative Rangel. In the meetings, we discussed the legislative priorities, thanked them for their support, and encouraged them to reach out to their colleagues to gain more support.

The conference panel discussions and workshops were very informative, but the best part of the experience for me was lobbying on Capitol Hill. It was great to be a part of our democratic process, meeting with representatives and informing them about the issues we care about.

If you are interested in attending the conference next year, I highly recommend you do so. There are many scholarships available through NBCC. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

awhiffen@womenatrisknyc.org