Chronic Illness Advocacy & Awareness Group, Inc.
Become a Member of CIAAG Advocate Army
Become a Member of CIAAG Advocate Army
Join CIAAG’s "Advocate Army" to become empowered in your health care. We will arm you with the knowledge and education to help you advocate for yourself along with us at CIAAG. As a Member of CIAAG you will receive bi-weekly email updates from our Executive Team with breaking news stories, CIAAG exclusive research findings and will be granted access to our Advocacy Army Library along with access to the State Leadership Program to learn how to engage the democratic process in advocating for your rights!
CIAAG offers 3 options for membership. Each level of membership provides different levels of services our members are entitled to as outlined below:
Advocate Army Membership: Bi-weekly email updates, access to CIAAG informative webinars, access to CIAAG Advocate Army Library which includes our Advocacy 101: Tips & Tools, pre-screened documents for members to bring to meetings with their lawmakers/stakeholders and access to the CIAAG State Leadership Program.
Ambassador Membership: All items included in the Advocate Army Membership level plus Federal Agency Reports, 1 CIAAG "Advocate Army" Bracelet and 20 Ambassador Business Cards to bring to meetings and/or events.
Sergeant Membership: All items included in the Advocate Army and Ambassador Membership levels plus Federal Agency Reports, 2 CIAAG "Advocate Army" Bracelets and 20 Sergeant Business Cards to bring to meetings and/or events.
CIAAG Membership
We want to empower all our members to advocate for themselves and learn how to effectively communicate with their lawmakers to help influence policy change. As a member you will be granted access to our Advocate Army Library which includes:
- Advocacy 101 Fliers
- How to Guides
- Meeting Documents
- Reports from Federal Agencies
- Research
- CIAAG Exclusive Webinars
Become a Member of CIAAG's Advocate Army today to learn how to engage the democratic process and advocate for yourself and along with us here at CIAAG. #CIAAGStrong!!!
Become a Member
and Join
the Advocate Army:
- Why Become a Member?
- Membership Tiers & Pricing
- Make Your Donation:
- Go the next step and join the State Leadership for free! You can learn more below by watching our informative webinars. After registering as a Member just email us at [email protected] with your name and address. Make sure to title your email "State Leadership". You will then be granted access to our national directory to help you successfully advocate in your home state.
Note: Membership is based on a January 1st - December 31st term. Membership is contingent upon receipt of renewal of your membership each year.
State Leadership
State Leadership
As a Member of CIAAG you are automatically eligible to participate in our State Leadership Program. This program is designed to be used by everyone, whether you're politically savvy or if this is your first time advocating. Here at CIAAG we believe everyone is a leader!
The State Leadership Program will provide you access to our National Directory which provides the contact information for all the relevant individuals you need to speak to as a part of your advocacy including Elected Officials and state Opioid Task Forces.
As a part of the State Leadership Program you will receive step-by-step directions from our Executive Team on ways you can get involved at the state level to advocate for your healthcare rights.
This is a self-paced program! How much you do is completely up to you. We provide opportunities to engage in advocacy using coordinated email campaigns as well as provide mentoring services to our Members interested in meeting one on one with their Elected Officials.
State Leadership Part 1
State Leadership Part 1
This is the first video of two about our State Leadership Program. It gives the viewer some insight how to sign up, get involved and outlines the basic steps one would need to take to get involved.
State Leadership Part 2
State Leadership Part 2
This video takes our members through the first step in the overall process of participating as a State Leader. In our video "How to Find a Bill", we introduce members to the process by which they can obtain copies of the bills that are being brought forth in their state. This enables the member to begin to engage in the democratic process.
What People are Saying About CIAAG...
What People are Saying About CIAAG...
“In spite of being in pain herself, Lauren fights tirelessly and selflessly for all chronic pain patients and the doctors trying to treat us. Our cause would be nothing without her courageous efforts. ”
“Because CIAAG tirelessly advocates for the chronic pain community. ”
“CIAAG works very hard to help all those with chronic pain/illness. Many of us can't help ourselves stand up for our rights but they do. ”
“Millions of chronic and intractable pain patients are being horrifically harmed through the denial of ethical pain relief and medical care. CIAAG is working hard to expose the truth of WHY our Government is pushing such a harmful agenda, and to CHANGE this. CIAAG fights for the most despised members of society, the chronically ill and disabled.”
“Tireless advocacy despite horrible discrimination and harmful medical abuse ”
“Working for patients that need the medicine being taken from them for their pain. They are chronically ill yet work to help others”
“In spite of their own chronic illnesses, they work tirelessly to advocate for all pain patients. ”
“CIAAG's concerned for everyone's better health!”
“Lauren advocates for the chronically ill community in spite of the fact that she is ill herself. Her passion is teaching people how to advocate for their own medical care. ”
“Despite being a chronic pain patient herself Lauren is fighting tirelessly for the rights of all patients. She never stops regardless of what she is going through personally. She is a beautiful example of an advocate & a leader. Lauren cares so much for others and is always willing to help others if & when they need it. ”
“Outstanding support for chronic pain community ”
“Lauren has always advocated for issues and people that she believes in. She does not want to see other people going through the same issues that she has. She also provides resources for others to advocate for themselves.”
“She and Shasta are working hard to help pain patients regain their right to be treated”
“CIAAG has tried very hard for the chronic pain community.”
“CIAAG has helped me to stand up for myself and share information with other people. They show great strength, knowledge and compassion. I can only hope to be the advocate they are someday.”
“Lauren is and has been a pro active voice in the pain community. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her several times & her work ethic is impeccable. She is always working tirelessly for the pain community, even while battling her own chronic pain illnesses. She deserves the Best in Community award as she is always fighting for new ways to help”
“CIAAG works tirelessly for others ”
“I had reached the end of my rope. I felt I was battling my physicians and politicians just to be treated as a human being. I came across CIAAG's Facebook page and has truly changed my life. They care not only about their difficulties but ours as well. Now I have an advocate and a cheerleader. ”
“My name is Shasta Rayne & I am the VP of CIAAG. Part of being an exceptional leader is knowing how to work well with others. She is always open to new ideas therefore I find working with her to be motivating & inspiring. Her leadership skills matched with her respect for those she works with are attributable to her success as a patient advocate.”
“Lauren created CIAAG as a result of her own experience as a patient. She knew what it was like to feel alone with no place to go for help. She single-handedly created CIAAG to help others so they would have a place to go to learn how to better advocate for themselves and others. She turned her own personal nightmare into something positive and good”
“CIAAG is a hero in the pain community!!!”
“This is the kindest caring individual that I have ever had the opportunity to collaborate with. CIAAG cares for everyone.”
“Her tireless search for the truth, despite debilitating health conditions. ”
“CIAAG tirelessly advocates for those who suffer with chronic painful conditions. ”
“I’ve been in pain for years and I can tell you it isn’t always easy to show compassion when you are suffering. I’ve seen so many of the videos where you can tell she is in pain yet she takes time to share with our CIAAG community information and help. ”
“CIAAG works for all pain patients for treatment of painful illnesses, all way having one also. Goes to great lengths to help others”
“CIAAG helps everyone with no prejudice”
“While going through some personal blessings that did not come without enormous challenge such as successfully carrying a child while being herself chronically ill, Lauren has faced fearlessly and with dedication and finesse the challenges that come with Pain & Civil Rights Advocacy and Activism. It is not for the faint of heart”
“CIAAG has came on board and made a huge difference with political leaders”
"The founders of this group are working tiredlessly to protect the rights of pain patients everywhere. They are fighting to protect people like myself who suffer with chronic debilitating pain by ensuring that we will always have access to healthcare that respects and acknowledges us as pain sufferers."
"Making people aware that chronic pain patients need pain relief and they are NOT the problem. Chronic pain patients are educated about usage of pain relief medications by their prescribing physician and teaching videos. Patients are regularly tested at random to make sure their levels of usage are in range. Chronic Illness Advocacy & Awareness fights hard for the patient to have a meaningful life and is not lumped in with the street addict who has caused this misconception."
"CIAAG is a very professional advocacy group providing its members with up-to-date information in a well organized fashion. CIAAG also provides an excellent forum where members can come together to share ideas and experiences."
"The founders of this group are exceptional at keeping the members well informed of changes in all states that are impacting chronic pain patients. They are working tirelessly to protect the rights of the chronically I'll patients and their caregivers."
"The founder of the group is also a chronic pain patient. She totally understands the struggle, and relentlessly fights for the rights of the patient with chronic illnesses and pain."
"Support from others whom have chronic pain. and informative post that can be helpful from others in the group. The support is the most important."
"The most inspired and educated, motivated and determined group of pain patients intent on restoring the rights of individuals in pain to receive humane treatment. Through education, information and legislative action they will turn this ship around."
"The founders of this group are exceptional at keeping the members well informed of changes in all states that are impacting chronic pain patients. They are working tirelessly to protect the rights of the chronically ill patients and their caregivers."
"A+++++5 stars! Lauren is a strong, amazing woman. She's fighting the largest ever Human Rights Battle America has ever seen. The Pain care Crisis has grown to devastating proportions.
She spoke at the UNITED NATIONS yesterday. Bless her Heart."
"This is an amazing resource for pain patients and those who are supporting pain patients!!!! Stay Strong!!"
"A must for anyone suffering from chronic pain."
"Their work to help get the word out to those making these inhumane decisions to cut medications from legitimate chronic pain patients."
"I found this group after reading an article in USA today! I am finding the information on this page very helpful!"
"I recommend Chronic Illness Advocacy and Awareness Group because I believe that it is a human right to be able to live a pain free life, and that the zealots who believe
the media hype about opioid overdoses should find out what it's like to live with chronic pain and be denied medication."
"It helps to discuss our difficulties with others facing the same type of medical battles."
"We are so thankful for people like CIAAG that stands up for us!! Someone has to hear us this is horror."
"It gives me hope to see other people standing up for those of us with disabilities and chronic pain. Thank you!"
"It gives me hope to see other people standing up for those of us with disabilities and chronic pain. Thank you!"
"Thank you for giving chronic pain patients a voice!"
"They give you the facts about this opioid epidemic."
Calls to Action:
Calls to Action:
Chronic Illness Advocacy & Awareness Group engages with the patient and professional community to help raise awareness and effect positive change for people living with painful illnesses and/or conditions. We encourage our members to get involved whether they want to meet with lawmakers face to face or are more comfortable sending emails from your home. At CIAAG we have a place for you!
Chronic Illness Advocacy & Awareness Group engages with the patient and professional community to help raise awareness and effect positive change for people living with painful illnesses and/or conditions. We encourage our members to get involved whether they want to meet with lawmakers face to face or are more comfortable sending emails from your home. At CIAAG we have a place for you!
05-16-2020 CMS Letter RE: 90 Day Supply during COVID-19
05-05- 2020 Joint Sign On Letter RE: 90 Day Prescriptions during COVID-19
04-26-2020 A Busy Month Indeed...
02-09-2020 State Leaders RE: 2020 Proposed Legislation
Advocate of the Month
Advocate of the Month
Chronic Illness Advocacy & Awareness Group is proud to present our Advocate of the Month program! As a member of CIAAG, you are automatically able to participate and be eligible for various prizes each month. In order to participate, all you need to do is engage in some type of advocacy activity such as:
* Email/call or meet with Elected Officials or other stakeholders to advocate on behalf of patient rights.
* Follow the instructions for one of the CIAAG Calls To Action emails and send a copy to us at [email protected]
* Attend your local opioid task force meeting.
* Attend a local legislative event/meeting.
* Attend/participate in conferences and distribute CIAAG flyers and documents.
* Write to media outlets and/or other publication/forums.
We will maintain a record of your advocacy efforts and award the advocate of the month prize accordingly. Each individual who is recognized as Advocate of the Month will also be considered for CIAAG's Advocate of the Year; which we will award in December!
Betty Miserendino
Betty Miserendino
January 2020
Betty has consistently shown dedication and enthusiasm in her advocacy efforts. Betty will often take it upon herself to write to media outlets to educate them on the impact their sensationalized and propagandized stories are having on the patient population. She had multiple op-eds published in her local paper. In addition, she regularly participates in the CIAAG Calls to Action. Finally, she has met with her local congressman and continues to maintain contact with their offices to ask for palliative care protections to be extended to the patient population via CIAAG's proposed Palliative Care Bill, Equal & Fair Access to Palliative Care.
Susan
Susan
February 2020
We would like to recognize CIAAG Member, Susan as Advocate of the Month for February 2020. Susan was the first to step forward and volunteer her time to pull legislation for her home state. In addition, she is working with the CIAAG team to review the proposed bills and testify at her statehouse to oppose/support portions of the proposed legislation as a part of CIAAG's State Leadership Program.
(Image & Full Name withheld at members request)
Delorse Croissette
Delorse Croissette
March 2020
We would like to recognize CIAAG Member, Delorse Croissette as Advocate of the Month for Match 2020. Delorse has stepped forward to help our team gather the contact information for the state level Opioid Task Forces to help enable our Members to engage in the State Leadership Program.
In addition, she has produced a number of educational videos on YouTube and Periscope to help teach community members about their civil rights, the constitution and how they too can get involved in advocating for themselves and here with us at CIAAG!
Ann Marie Silva
Ann Marie Silva
April 2020
This month we would like to recognize CIAAG Member, Ann Marie Silva for her extraordinary efforts in advocacy. Ann Marie has been appointed as a committee member on her local Opioid Task Force in Stanislaus County, CA.
In addition, she has attended a number of opioid conferences in her home state and passed out CIAAG Flyers and Fact Sheets to attendees to help raise awareness of the crisis facing individuals who medically require opioid medications to manage their chronic illnesses/incurable conditions.
Sandra Newman
Sandra Newman
May 2020
This month we would like to recognize CIAAG Member, Sandra Newman for taking it upon herself to help collect signatures for our correspondence to CMS asking for proper notification to be sent to the states advising of the DEA Rule which permits a 90 day supply of schedule II medications during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leah LoneBear
Leah LoneBear
June 2020
This month we would like to recognize CIAAG Member, Leah Lonebear for always being a fierce advocate online. Leah has dedicated her time and talents to helping gather patient commentary for upcoming legislative meetings. She has consistently shown a dedication to advocacy and standing up for what is morally right in the face of opposition.
Jim Traylor
Jim Traylor
July 2020
This month we would like to recognize CIAAG Member, Jim Traylor. We put out a request for volunteers to assist with organizing some data for an upcoming project. Not only did Jim step up to help with a CIAAG project but he also maintains a positive presence in the online advocacy community showing support for other community members.
With a positive attitude and an inspiring disposition, Jim is the type of advocate that will help our movement/community continue to grow and thrive.
Carrie
Carrie
August 2020
For the month of August, we recognized Carrie for her continuous efforts in helping share information and research with her fellow advocates to help educate others on the healthcare changes taking place and how they can fight back to restore compassionate, individualized patient-centered care to our healthcare system. She is dedicated to sharing information in the effort to help our community gain a better understanding of the issues that we are facing. She does a fantastic job and is an inspiration to all of us.
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
September 2020
Coming Soon
CIAAG is a 501(c)-3 Non-Profit Organization, therefore donations are 100% tax deductible.