Healthcare Patient Rights & Self Advocacy in Medical Care | Fibromyalgia Conference | Kristal Kent

This is the second presentation on the main stage from Kristal Kent's at the Fibromyalgia Community Conference 2022.

Title: Healthcare Patient Rights and Self Advocacy in Medical Care

Kristal Kent is a disabled Army Veteran living with Fibromyalgia and served with the 256th Combat Support Hospital. After being medically discharged due to injuries, Kristal stayed on with her unit and volunteered for 2/12 years as the Family Readiness Group Leader, re-invigorating the program to become a supportive extension of the unit for the soldiers and their families. Kristal’s Volunteerism as FRG Leader was officially recognized with a Commendation from the U.S. Department of the Army. She also worked in Social Services for over 20 years in a variety of roles, from Adult Advocacy Coordinator, Care Coordinator, Assertive Community Treatment Specialist, Benefits Coordinator and Supported Employment Services, assisting individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, Mental Health Conditions and Veterans alike.

As a Veteran living with Fibromyalgia, Kristal identified the lack of support, healthcare options and education for those living with Fibromyalgia, especially Veterans. To address the gap in healthcare and community supports, Kristal founded the initiatives, “The Fibromyalgia Pain Chronicles” and “Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia,” to address the inequities in healthcare. Kristal engages in VA policy advocacy, legislative advocacy and systems advocacy to emote positive change for those living with Fibromyalgia.

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