
We are delighted to announce a new EDS ECHO Health Advocacy Program  that will be launching in September 2024.
This program is designed for health advocates who are committed to helping people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). It equips participants with essential skills, tools, and experience, allowing them to support others in effectively navigating the healthcare system and life and advocating for better care of people with EDS and HSD.
For more information and how to apply, please click the banner below.
EDS ECHO HEALTH ADVOCACY
The  EDS ECHO Health Advocacy Program is a virtual program for health advocates across all disciplines who are committed to helping people with the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD).
Click the banner below for more information.
EDS ECHO Health Advocacy
About EDS ECHO Health Advocacy   
The  EDS ECHO Health Advocacy Program  is a virtual program designed for health advocates who are committed to helping people with the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). This program equips participants with essential skills, tools, and experience, allowing them to support others in effectively navigating the healthcare system and life, and advocating for better care of people with EDS and HSD.  
What is a Health Advocate? 
Health advocates play a crucial role in guiding people through the healthcare system. They educate and support patients to make informed healthcare decisions, improve communication with healthcare providers, manage administrative tasks like scheduling and dealing with insurance, and direct individuals to helpful resources for financial, legal, and social support. Advocates might also identify roles in commentating on or the development of local or national policies that affect the care of people in their community. 
Program Curriculum and Structure 
The program is composed of 10 sessions, with a short break between session 5 and 6. Each session includes presentations from community leaders and interactive discussions about applying what was learned. Sessions are co-facilitated by  Maggie Buckley  and  Sarah Hamilton.
Each 90-minute session is delivered virtually through the Zoom platform in English. The program will be held on Wednesdays at 12 noon ET (USA and Canada) / 5 pm London (UK Time) / 6 pm CET (Central European Time).
Program Fees
Thanks to a generous donation, we are able to provide this program free of charge to participants.  
How do I Apply?
Places are limited to 40 participants per program. Participants are selected to join the EDS ECHO Health Advocacy Program based on information provided in their applications about their work with the EDS and HSD community. 
Applications will be accepted through to August 30th, 2024, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time (US & Canada), or until all spaces are filled. The program facilitators will review your application and you will be notified directly of an offer of a place on the program by email the week commencing September 23, 2024.
PAST EDS ECHO ADVOCACY & COMMUNITY PROGRAM RESOURCES
Watch a selection of previous  EDS ECHO Advocacy and Community Leaders & Educators presentations.
At  EDS ECHO  we developed an Advocacy program and Community Leaders & Educators program which, from 2020 to 2022, supported over 400 participants in developing skills to raise awareness and support people with EDS and HSD.
We have put together for you a selection of speaker presentations from these programs. Topics include advocating for yourself and others, fundraising, social media, EDS 101, and starting a support group. We really hope you enjoy watching them and that they give you lots of ideas.
Click the banner below for more information and how to access the resources.
Past EDS ECHO Advocacy & Community Program Resources
Participant Testimonials:
Shani Weber led the advocacy and Community Leaders and educators programs, which featured presentations from various community healthcare professionals and specialist guest speakers.
The  EDS ECHO Advocacy  program was designed to create active advocates around the world who were willing to help raise awareness of EDS and HSD.
The  EDS ECHO Community Leaders & Educators  program explored ways participants could better teach and support those living with EDS or HSD. The program was for support group and organization leaders as well as others who strive to educate and support our community.