Advocacy
Huge news in Massachusetts!
On November 14th, members of VITFriends® participated in a historic day in Massachusetts, as MA state representative Rob Consalvo introduced Bill H976 to support individuals with Vitiligo. This is an act to require FULL health insurance coverage for those with vitiligo.
Thank you Rep. Rob Consalvo!!!
House Floor Address: Rep. Rob Consalvo on Establishing a State Vitiligo Commission
Representative Rob Consalvo addresses the Massachusetts House of Representatives in strong support of historic health care legislation. He highlights the impact of VITFriends®, underscores the urgent need to address social stigma and health equity, and celebrates the creation of a special state commission dedicated to studying vitiligo, improving patient education, and expanding insurance coverage.
Advocating for Vitiligo with Congressman Jim McGovern
October 2022, Members of VITFriends Boston met with Jim McGovern (D-MA).
In attendance was founder Valarie Molyneaux, Roy Molyneaux, Barbara Hamilton, Tonia Magras, Susan Foley and Dr John Harris.
On the telephone was Senator McGovern office assistant and friend Gladys Rodriguez and Vicki Holland Tiahrt.
The Pioneer of Vitiligo Advocacy
March 1975
Rep. Parren J. Mitchell of Maryland, a person with Vitiligo presented H.R. 5264 to the house floor with 10 sponsors but it got no where.
February 1977
AGAIN, Rep. Parren J. Mitchell presented H.R. 3520 and got ONLY 16 sponsors, one of whom was Rep Shirley Chisholm (NY). This bill would authorize the Secretary to make GRANTS and enter into contracts with such entities and with individuals for projects for:
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Research and research training in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of vitiligo
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The development of programs to educate the public concerning the nature and inheritance of the disease.
It has been 48 years since VITILIGO was first presented to the U. S. House of Representative.
This is our CAUSE and it is time that attention be given to this matter. We are working on a post-card but in the mean time, we ask that in our National Vitiligo Community, that every State group would make contact with their Senator and State Representative in Congress and share the FACTS about Vitiligo and SHARE what our Community are ASKING for - - It's TIME:
01.
Full Insurance coverage for Doctor visits and treatment for Vitiligo
03.
Early education curriculum to include Vitiligo as a skin condition
05.
Full Coverage for mental and emotional care for Vitiligo patients
07.
A National Vitiligo Act that recognizes our condition and our plight and also recognizes June 25, which is celebrated globallyas our day...World Vitiligo Day!
02.
Correct designation of Vitiligo as a disease NOT a "mere cosmetic issue"
04.
Attention given to the bullying of Vitiligo patients, especially children
06.
Funding for Viable support groups for Vitiligo patients