## 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.   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 [Caroline Kim](https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/caroline-kim/) and [Marty Miller](https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/marty-miller/). Each 90-minute session is delivered virtually through the Zoom platform in English. 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.