Advocacy
We advocate for patient rights and access to spinal health care through collaboration and collective advocacy.
Spine Health Advocacy
Making spine health a national priority means advancing policies that expand patient access to vital information, research funding, and innovative, minimally disruptive treatments. Collaboration with partners, coalitions, and advocates is key—because spine health impacts everyone, from patients and caregivers to employers and insurers.
Current Initiatives
In May 2023, NSHF joined AARP in advocating for stronger support for family caregivers, emphasizing their vital role in caring for older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans. The letter urged action on the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, calling for better caregiver inclusion in healthcare planning, expanded support for dementia and veteran caregivers, and policies that improve access to essential resources.
You can find our previous initiatives here.
Partnerships
Our strong network of partners—including organizations focused on arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, veterans, sports medicine, chronic pain, seniors, and underserved communities—advocates for spine health at every level.
Coalition partners like NIAMS, the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative, and the National Coalition for Community Health Centers help drive policies that expand coverage for spine health treatments across Medicare, Medicaid, and military health services, paving the way for private insurers.
We also serve on the FDA’s Patient Engagement Advisory Committee, shaping decisions on medical devices that impact spine health, from implants and robotic surgery to wearable health technologies.
