​Write Stuff Workgroup: ​
Meets the second Friday of every month, 10:30 am - 1:00 pm, Carnegie Library, East Liberty

• Writing and having published a letter-to-the-editor is an effective tool to capture the public's attention.
• In 2019 alone, our self-advocates had 12 letters-to-the-editor published; they are listed below:

Health Committee for Persons with Disabilities (HCPD): 
Meets the third Wednesday of every month, 3 pm - 5 pm at the WPA School for Blind Children

• ​​Health Committee for People with Disabilities is a recognized BEST PRACTICE model for consumer lead self advocacy. In Allegheny County we are cross-disabilities (physical, sensory, behavioral, developmental and cross) in make-up and advocacy efforts.
• In Washington County we meet the Fourth Thursday of each month, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm .  We formed our group of self-advocates i​n partnership with ARC Human Services of Washington County​​

I am, or should I say I was, a very shy person, very quiet and they helped me find my voice.  ~ JM

Activated Patient                                             PHOTO VOICE 

SELF ADVOCACY
ACTIVATE PATIENT TRAININGS
 
Successful health care encounters and outcomes need a team approach between provide and patient.
 
With our “HOW TO BE A PROACTIVE PATIENT” Guidebook (currently in its third printing) that guides one through every aspect of a provider’s visit:

• How to find a provider
• What questions to ask in finding the best provider for you
• What to bring to EVERY medical appointment
• Questions to ask to understand your diagnosis and care plan

TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE COPY
CONTACT: SALLY JO at

ACTIVATED PATIENT TRAININGS
We have trained over 1000 persons in how to be activated patients!
We have presented the consumer perspective to Community Health Centers!

We held a listen and learn session with providers:
“COMMUNICATION IS THE BEST MEDICINE: CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
INTERESTED IN HOSTING A TRAINING?
CALL: 412-456-1877 X 204 or g

CONTACT AND ESTABLISH CONSISTENT COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Want to get started now? ​Contact your representatives!

Remember, we elected them to serve us- let them hear what you need! You can find all your representatives through the following links below:
​
Find your Senator 
Find your Congressperson
Find your Pennsylvania State Representative
Contact the Allegheny County Council 

​Photo Voice is a social justice project involving groups often marginalized, mis-understod and misrepresented.
Participants answer a question by taking a photo and through a short narrative explain why they took the photo.
 
CHC has organized several Photo Voice Projects:
 

• LIVING TOGETHER IS AN ART
  • Cross-Disabilities
  • Allegheny County
  • FOCUS: Community Accessibility, Health Accessibility, Social Capital
• WHAT I NEED TO LIVE WELL
  • Persons with Behavioral Health Concerns
  • Westmoreland County
  • FOCUS: Wellness
• WE BELONG
  • Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Washington County
  • FOCUS: Belonging and Building Community
• BITE ME
  • Cross-Disabilities
  • Allegheny County
  • FOCUS: Oral Health Care

 

CHC’s Photo Voice Projects have been displayed at:
 

• PA State Capitol in Harrisburg
• Heinz History Center
• Penn State University
• Slippery Rock University
• Kutztown University
• Carnegie Libraries in Pittsburgh
• Seton Hill University
• Community College of Allegheny County
• ARC Human Services of Washington County
• Numerous congregations, community centers and hospitals around the Commonwealth

For...
PRESENTATIONS; DISPLAYS; HOW TO RUN YOUR OWN PHOTO VOICE
Contact: Sally Jo Snyder at  
​ 412-45-1877 x 204

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