ASCP Patient Champions Partner with Tribal Communities to Improve Health Literacy

ASCP Patient Champions recently collaborated on the 2024 Tribal Health Literacy Workshop as part of its ongoing partnership with the Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care (AACIHC).

AACIHC serves as a resource for all Tribal governments and the State of Arizona by supporting prevention, training, education, workforce development, policy and legislation to meet the unique healthcare needs of the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population in Arizona. It seeks to educate and advocate for improved health outcomes.

ASCP Patient Champions brings together individuals who have personally experienced the impact of laboratory medicine and diagnostics. These passionate patient advocates share their stories, raise awareness and collaborate with healthcare professionals to improve patient care and outcomes.

At the Tribal Health Literacy Workshop, Patient Champions Project Manager Sophia Lewin Adams partnered with Patient Champion Deedee O’Brien to present to members of Arizona’s 22 tribal communities. Their presentation covered the importance of understanding pathology reports and laboratory results, strategies for using storytelling to explain complex topics, and the value of peer-to-peer advocacy and support.

In addition to their educational presentation, Ms. O’Brien shared her personal story to explain how understanding pathology reports and laboratory results helped her as both a patient and a caregiver.

Learn more about AACHIC.

Hear Deedee tell part of her story.

Learn more about Patient Champions on the Patient Champions website. If you are interested in learning more about ASCP Patient Champions initiatives to educate and empower patients, please contact Patient Champion Staff at champions@ascp.org.