Advocate’s Corner: February 2024

OCRA’s Advocates are off to a running start this year with help from our largest Advocate Leader cohort in program history, at 125 participants representing 39 states and 111 congressional districts. Together with the OCRA policy team, Advocate Leaders are working to advance crucial legislative goals, including expanding federal funding of ovarian and other gynecologic cancer research and education programs. 

Advocate Leaders continue to press Congress to address critical drug shortages, urging legislators to tackle pharmaceutical supply chain issues that are impacting access to essential treatment.

Upcoming: OCRA’s virtual Spring Advocacy Day
On March 20th, OCRA will bring together supporters from across the country to meet virtually with congressional offices and ask for support. Stay tuned for a recap.

On the diagnostic/prevention side, the team is undertaking efforts to broaden access and utilization of biomarker testing. Biomarkers can help determine the best treatment for patients, and are key to identifying targeted therapies that can lead to improved survivorship and quality of life.

Also on the prevention front, we are working at the state level to expand genetic testing protections that prevent employers and insurance companies from discrimination based on the results of genetic tests, which are some of the most important tools for ovarian cancer prevention and treatment.

Finally, our hardworking Advocate Leaders have formed several issue-related working committees to help resolve pressing challenges faced by the community, including education and awareness; clinical trials and research; cost of care and treatment; health disparities and underserved communities; and precision medicine. Together we are moving the needle forward. I look forward to updating you on our shared progress in the coming months.

Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you in March for Spring Advocacy Day.

With gratitude,

Chad Ramsey, Vice President, Policy