Patient voices are critical in promoting the value of community oncology. That’s why Chelsea Klock, RN, OCN, stepped up to lead her practice’s COA Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN) chapter.

As a registered nurse at Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York, Chelsea understands that the core mission of personal, patient-centered care sets community oncology apart from other care settings—and wants to make sure that those making decisions at the state and federal level understand it too.

“Our patients’ stories are helpful for policymakers to hear and act on,” she said. “CPAN ensures the voice of community oncology is heard where it matters most: in the halls of Congress, the White House, and state capitols.”

As the CPAN chapter leader, she educates patients, survivors, caregivers, and providers on the latest challenges facing community oncology and actively advocates for federal and state reforms on issues including pharmacy benefit manager abuses and step therapy.

She says that advocates not only find a community in CPAN, but a larger purpose: ensuring locally delivered cancer care is available to those who need it.