I have been a patient advocate since 2005, when I first spoke up in my healthcare instead of following blindly. That is when I started getting answers and a proper diagnosis of a rare disease. By 2006, I advocated for others to get the care they need. I attended medical appointments with other patients and started presenting at medical provider conferences. In 2009, I started advocating legislatively, helping with a fail-first-step therapy bill. Since then, I have advocated for more than 100 bills in Arizona and 30+ other states and Federal bills and bills in Canada and Australia. Now, it is time to level up again. I feel compelled to do this to make a difference from the other side. I am primed and ready to advocate in a new position – State Representative in Arizona.
I will be a great State Representative here in Arizona for multiple reasons. My voice will be to represent legislative district 7, but also, the laws I help craft and pass will help Arizona’s chronically ill and rare disease patients. Having been a chronic pain patient who has lived with multiple rare diseases for more than 20 years, my perspective on healthcare and access to proper and timely care is unique. With one in three living with a chronic illness and 1 in 10 affected by a rare disease, I know that I will be helping you or someone you are connected to get the care they need.
Background
Prior Experience: I have a strong record of accomplishments, experience, and leadership in the community. In primary, secondary, and college, I served in class leadership, was my dorm representative on campus, and served on the union and program boards. I started my first business, BAM Productions, managing multiple bands and comedians. I was a cheerleader, soccer player, track team member, gymnast, and model in the school and church choir, and I led crowds and participated in community events. I served in the Girl Scouts, from Brownies to Cadets. A week after graduating from George Mason University with a degree in Social Psychology, I started my own training company – Cheertec, Inc. The following year, I became the first hired coach at Washington State University for the entire Spirit program, where I led 50+ athletes each year, created a scholarship program, led my team to the top 5 programs in the USA, and coached at the Sun Bowl and 2 Rose Bowl Games. Most recently, I served as the President of the International Pain Foundation, advocating for chronic pain patients and working to improve healthcare policies. This experience demonstrates my dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Healthcare Expertise: As I have said, I have personal experience with chronic pain and have dedicated my life to raising awareness and improving healthcare for those suffering from chronic illnesses. This expertise enables me to bring a unique perspective to healthcare policy discussions and make informed decisions that benefit the residents of Arizona. I have and will continue to make our daily lives better.
Advocacy for Patient Rights: I have been a vocal advocate for patient rights and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all. I have consistently fought for policies prioritizing patients, such as increasing access to pain management treatments and advocating for insurance coverage for alternative therapies. My commitment to patient advocacy could benefit Arizona residents who need improved healthcare options.
Dedicated to the Community: Barby Ingle has demonstrated her commitment to the community through her involvement in various charitable activities. She has organized events to raise awareness and funds for chronic pain research, as well as providing support and resources for individuals suffering from chronic illnesses. This dedication to the community shows that she is invested in improving the lives of Arizona residents.
What State Representatives Can Do
As a State Representative, I will significantly affect healthcare through legislation and policy-making, advocacy and awareness, funding allocation, stakeholder collaboration, oversight, and accountability.
Advocacy and Awareness: I will have a platform to raise awareness about healthcare issues affecting my constituents in LD7, statewide and nationally. I will use my position to advocate for improved healthcare services, educate the public about available resources, and highlight areas where policy changes are needed. I have been doing this for years, but with the megaphone of a member of the House of Representatives, I will be able to take these efforts even further. By engaging with healthcare professionals, community organizations, patients, caregivers, medical providers, industry leaders, and advocacy groups, I will amplify the voices and bring attention and solutions to important healthcare issues.
Funding Allocation: State Representatives are crucial in budgeting, including determining how funds are allocated to healthcare initiatives. I will advocate for support in fiscally responsible healthcare programs that address chronic and rare disease challenges, public health initiatives that give proper and timely care to patients, and programs that address social determinants of health. By prioritizing healthcare funding, I can ensure that resources are directed toward areas of critical need.
Collaboration with Stakeholders: I will convene stakeholders from various sectors, such as healthcare providers, insurers, patient-caregiver groups, and government agencies, to collaborate and develop policies that address the healthcare challenges we face in Arizona. By bringing together different perspectives, I will foster innovative solutions and promote coordinated efforts to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Oversight and Accountability: State Representatives oversee the implementation of healthcare policies and programs in their state. As a representative, I can hold hearings, conduct investigations, and monitor the performance of healthcare systems and providers. By ensuring accountability, I can identify areas for improvement such as strengthening the patient-provider relationship and push for necessary changes to enhance the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services.
Support Barby Ingle
In summary, serving as the LD7 State Representative will help me move forward to make a difference in healthcare through legislation, advocacy, funding allocation, collaboration, and oversight. My actions will lead to positive changes, increased access to care, and better health outcomes for the residents of Arizona. Healthcare is just one area I know I will excel at when elected. I am also strong on border security, veteran’s rights, gun rights, budgeting, the economy, helping businesses flourish, and more. Overall, my experience, expertise in healthcare, advocacy for patient rights, business experience, and dedication to the community make me a strong candidate for State Representative in Arizona. I am asking for your support. Please check out www.barbyingle.com for more information.
