Working with Partners to Improve Access to Migraine Care

Migraine is a debilitating neurological disorder impacting over a billion people worldwide. At Pfizer, we’re dedicated to understanding the causes of migraine. With that goal in mind, we’ve put together a series of articles exploring different aspects of migraine management.

In our first post, we looked at the current state of migraine care, reflecting on what’s working and where there’s room to improve. In the next post, we examined some of the challenges that can prevent people from accessing the treatment they need. Then we shared an open letter, calling for meaningful changes that could benefit those living with migraine.

In today’s final piece in our series, we’re highlighting several patient advocacy groups that are working to make migraine care more accessible.

Joining Forces for Change

Migraine care reform doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t happen alone. We’ve joined forces with a collection of organizations, including the National Headache Foundation (NHF), the Alliance for Headache Disorder Advocacy (AHDA), and the Headache and Migraine Policy Forum (HMPF) to make sure the voices of millions suffering with migraine are heard.

A renowned leader in the migraine community, The National Headache Foundation (NHF) is committed to building bridges to ensure that people with migraine achieve optimal quality of life and well-being. The voices of people on this journey are represented through numerous initiatives, which cultivate connections and partnerships that inspire hope for those living with migraine. Supporting this mission, our Migraine Blackout program shines a spotlight on the barriers people face in accessing migraine treatments and provides resources to help them overcome these challenges. In collaboration with the NHF, we’ve drawn upon their expertise to make sure this program truly reflects the patient experience, and represents the needs of the migraine community.

As the inaugural host of the migraine advocacy program, Headache on the Hill, the Alliance for Headache Disorders Association (AHDA) works tirelessly to develop and secure equitable policies for people with migraine. By tackling change at a national level, they fight discriminatory health policies, help develop inclusive legislation and provide guidance on care programs. As our keystone partner for the Migraine Blackout program, the AHDA enables us to bring their advocacy to a broader audience, helping people understand the urgency of this critical work.

Tackling migraine stigma is a full-time job, and The Headache and Migraine Policy Forum goes above and beyond by promoting migraine research and treatment advancements, supporting patient and healthcare provider education, and working directly with policymakers to ensure proper care access for people with migraine. By calling out economic, demographic, and research disparities, they’re helping to create more inclusive policies and programs for people with migraine. In working with The Headache and Migraine Policy Forum we’ve developed resources to help patients navigate the complex access barriers they face today, providing actionable steps to secure the medications they are prescribed.

Each of these organizations brings years of experience, knowledge, and a passion for creating a better world for people with migraine. We are honored to work with them, together we can inspire change and help people with migraine to finally access the care they need.

If you haven’t already, make your voice heard by signing the AHDA’s open letter for migraine care reform. Show your support for policies that empower patients to access the care they deserve: https://www.migraineblackout.com/ahda-letter