As February comes to an end, USAPN continues its mission to amplify patient voices and advocate for safer, more accountable healthcare. Our February newsletter is your guide to staying connected, informed, and empowered.

2026 brings new challenges for healthcare, patient advocacy, and civil rights, as deep political divisions make it harder for Americans to stay informed and make confident decisions about their health. USA Patient Network (USAPN) cuts through the noise with clear, accurate, and actionable updates—empowering patients to understand their rights, access safe care, and advocate for themselves in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

As 2025 draws to a close, healthcare and patient advocacy remain at the forefront of national discussion. Across the country, patients are grappling with rising health care costs and insurance affordability challenges, including the imminent expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies and the associated potential for sharply higher premiums and coverage losses

This issue of the USA Patient Network (USAPN) November 2025 newsletter thanks patients and caregivers for their resilience, highlights the importance of recognizing patient experiences and caregiver roles, and calls for transparency and stronger safeguards — especially on women’s health, hormone therapy risks, autoimmune conditions, and healthcare policy changes under the Affordable Care Act.

October was a month full of advocacy, awareness, and celebration for USAPN. We highlighted critical patient safety issues, from FDA medical device updates and lifesaving research innovations to the fight for recognition of fluoroquinolone injuries. Posts on equitable healthcare and policy accountability kept our mission front and center, reminding everyone that patient voices matter. Together, these stories reinforced our commitment to empowering patients, protecting lives, and advancing safety in healthcare nationwide.

As summer winds down, the challenges facing patients and our healthcare system remain front and center. This August, critical debates continue around patient safety, access to care, and the policies shaping our health system. From legislative proposals that could impact the most vulnerable, to new research and reports exposing gaps in oversight and accountability, our role as advocates has never been more important. At USAPN, we are committed to amplifying patient voices, highlighting systemic issues, and pushing for reforms that put people before profits, ensuring that every policy and practice prioritizes the health and well-being of patients.

As the seasons change, so does the landscape of healthcare. This September, we’re highlighting critical developments in patient safety, emerging medical research, and public health policy. From updates on vaccine debates and medical device safety to insights into early detection and prevention, our goal is to keep you informed, empowered, and ready to advocate for yourself and your loved ones. Let’s dive into the latest news, tips, and resources shaping patient care today.

June is a month of reflection, resilience, and advocacy. We begin by recognizing PTSD Awareness Month, honoring those living with trauma and demanding safer, more compassionate mental health care. We also celebrate Pride Month, standing with LGBTQ+ patients in the fight for equitable, respectful healthcare.

This July, we’re turning up the heat on accountability. As investigations expose deep cracks in the FDA’s drug approval process, patients are left to bear the consequences — from ineffective cancer therapies to risky Alzheimer’s drugs pushed to market with limited proof they work.

The May 2025 USAPN newsletter emphasizes Mental Health Awareness Month and honors Mother's Day by celebrating mothers' roles in family well-being and advocating for health equity. It also spotlights Loretta Boesing, who shared concerns about profit-driven healthcare.

The April 2025 USAPN newsletter celebrates spring as a time for renewed commitment to patient-centered advocacy, highlighting ongoing efforts to promote safer, more transparent healthcare. It honors Maria Gmitro, Charleston's Best Patient Advocate for the third year—and her work with BISA.

In 2020 we became a 501(c)(3) Non Profit!

December hearings on the Covid-19 Vaccines:

Board members Kim Witczak, Dru West, and Marie Garlock all spoke at the FDA hearings on behalf of the USA Patient Network about Covid vaccines, voicing our concerns that studies on the vaccines need to continue and that those who are vaccinated need to be followed longer than 2 months and given clear instructions on how to report adverse reactions.  Links to the videos of our public comments:

December 10 Hearing on Pfizer Vaccine

Kim Witczak speaking:  https://youtu.be/-fj5k-RgNKw

Dru West speaking: https://youtu.be/SsKyzuTUMMk

Dec 17 Hearing on Moderna Vaccine

Marie Garlock speaking: https://youtu.be/BunVNPtA3x4