Healthcare or Optimal Healthcare? There's a Difference featuring Sandra L. Washington

In this episode of the Patient Advocacy Now podcast, we sit down with Sandra L. Washington, founder of the C.H.L.M.S. Medi-Helpz Foundation, an organization committed to patient advocacy and empowerment. Sandra L., with a background in public policy and healthcare administration, shares her journey and the impetus behind her advocacy work. Motivated by the tragic experiences of losing two sisters due to mismanagement of medical care, Sandra discusses the foundation's mission to provide support and resources for vulnerable communities that often lack access to proper healthcare. She delves into the challenges faced by patient advocates, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, education, and engagement to empower patients and improve overall healthcare outcomes.

Sandra also provides insights into the foundation's approach, combining a for-profit model under Medi-Helpz with a non-profit arm, C.H.L.M.S., to ensure that advocacy services are accessible to all, regardless of financial constraints. She reflects on the three essential components of patient advocacy: education, empowerment, and engagement, stressing the need for patients to be informed and active participants in their healthcare journey. Sandra L. shares her vision for expanding the impact of C.H.L.M.S. Medi-Helpz nationally and even globally, highlighting the significance of collaboration and community involvement in addressing healthcare disparities.