On 5 December 2024, the European Heart Network (EHN) held its inaugural Patient Advocacy Workshop in Brussels, bringing together cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients and patient representatives from across Europe. This event marked a significant milestone in EHN’s mission to empower patients to actively participate in shaping health policies that address their needs and perspectives.
The workshop coincided with the launch of the EHN Patient Advocacy Handbook: Empowering Patients with Cardiovascular Disease Through Advocacy. This comprehensive guide provides practical tools and strategies for individuals to advocate for improved CVD care and awareness at local, national, and European levels.
Giving patients a voice in the development of policies at all levels—from local to national to European—is essential for fostering inclusion and representation. By highlighting the voices of people with lived experiences, we gain unique perspectives that enrich healthcare policy and ensure the development of more effective and impactful healthcare pathways.
Held at the European Union of Medical Specialists, the workshop offered participants an interactive platform to explore the fundamentals of advocacy, share real-world success stories, and engage in hands-on exercises. Sessions included an introduction to advocacy principles, a walkthrough of the handbook, and a simulation where participants practised creating and delivering advocacy campaigns to policymakers.
This event marked the beginning of a stronger collaboration with CVD patients from across Europe. EHN is actively looking to expand its patient network and engage patients in various projects, from research to prevention, with the real potential to shape heart policies, improve quality of life, and foster healthier environments for millions of people.
If you are interested in joining the EHN Patient Network, please get in touch at info@ehnheart.org.
EHN will soon publish a detailed report summarising the workshop’s key insights and outcomes. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to prioritise patient voices in the fight against cardiovascular disease.
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