We are joining the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA) in thanking the nearly 175 advocates from 40 states who completed over 200 Congressional meetings on September 24 for Headache on the Hill! Your passion and dedication are helping to push forward the needs of the over 40 million Americans living with headache disorders, including neuropathic facial pain.
Brandi Underwood, the Facial Pain Association’s Manager of Development, Research, and Advocacy, joined to represent the FPA and those with neuropathic facial pain as part of the AHDA’s bi-annual Headache on the Hill advocacy day.
Meeting with the offices of four US Representatives and a US Senator, they advocated for common-sense legislative priorities to make life better for Americans living with headache conditions, including neuropathic facial pain. Specifically, they advocated for members of Congress to
- Co-sponsor the Safe Step Act. Step therapy, sometimes called a “fail-first requirement,” is a protocol in which a health insurer will deny coverage for a prescribed prescription or treatment until an alternative insurer-preferred treatment is first attempted. Patients with headache disorders are some of the most impacted by step therapy protocols and delay in treatment can result in a chronification of disease.
- Co-sponsor the Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act. The Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act seeks to address significant gaps in chronic pain research by mandating the CDC to collect, analyze, and publish comprehensive population health data on chronic pain. It also strives to increase transparency and support for those living with chronic pain by improving data collection and analysis, leading to more effective treatments and better quality of life.
- Provide robust funding for the extension of telehealth flexibilities with the CONNECT for Health Act. The CONNECT for Health Act aims to permanently allow the Medicare telehealth flexibilities implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Headache disorder specialists are difficult to find, especially in more rural areas. With the CONNECT for Health Act, seniors and disabled people on Medicare are able to find care regardless of their residency.
But the work doesn’t stop here! YOU can support the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy’s legislative efforts by taking just 2 minutes to send a message to your elected officials in support of the Safe Step Act, Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act, and the CONNECT for Health Act. Every voice matters in the fight for better care and policies for headache patients.
Brandi shared her thoughts as she reflected on the experience, “It was incredibly meaningful to stand alongside fellow advocates at Headache on the Hill, not only representing the Facial Pain Association, but also in my new role as Board Secretary of AHDA. Our partnership is vital in amplifying the voices of those with neuropathic facial pain, especially in underserved communities that are often overlooked. Earlier this year, I spoke with Elevate Advocacy about the importance of equitable access to care, and this advocacy work brings that mission to life. Pushing for legislation like the Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act and CONNECT for Health Act isn’t just about policy – it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives.”
