Patients, Caregivers, and Family Members Head to Washington, DC to Advocate for Key Priorities to Advance Liver Health for Millions of Americans Living with Liver Disease

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American Liver Foundation (ALF) will bring together patients, caregivers, and family members affected by liver disease from across the country for the Liver Life Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, April 29 and 30 to champion ALF's 2025 legislative priorities. Federal investment in early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of liver disease continues to lag far behind other chronic diseases and that's unacceptable when 80-100 million Americans are affected by this often overlooked disease. ALF's Liver Life Advocates will promote patient-centered policies that call on lawmakers to advance initiatives that improve prevention efforts, treatments, and access to care for those living with liver disease.

"ALF has a passionate community of Liver Life Advocates dedicated to making a difference for those living with liver disease," said Lorraine Stiehl, Chief Executive Officer of American Liver Foundation. "Through our Liver Life Advocacy Summit, we aim to amplify the voices of patients and work with legislators to advance meaningful policies to improve patient outcomes and save lives."

ALF's Liver Life Advocates will urge Congress to take action on the following Legislative Priorities:

• Increase funding for Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) research and education
• Expand liver disease surveillance and prevention efforts at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Finalize coverage for anti-obesity medication under Medicare Part D
• Support laws such as the Living Donor Protection Act, Safe Step Act, HOLD Act and HELP Copays Act
• Improve access to liver disease treatments and reduce out-of-pocket costs

"I'm so honored to participate in ALF's Liver Life Advocacy Summit because I truly believe in ALF's mission and want to do all that I can to help those living with liver disease, like me," said Carley Jaymes Vogel, crowned 2024 Miss Tennessee and 2^nd runner-up to Miss America. "At 12 years old I was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatis and spent weeks on a hospital transplant floor. That experience gave me a firsthand understanding of how organ donation saves lives and that's why I feel it's important to advocate in Washington, DC to help push through policies that help those living with liver disease."

ALF will host a dinner for advocates on April 29^th honoring two Members of Congress who have made extraordinary contributions to liver health, and advocates who have relentlessly worked to advance ALF's legislative priorities and help all those suffering from liver disease. On April 30^th, ALF's Liver Life Advocates will head to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers and urge them to support ALF's legislative priorities. 

"As someone who had liver cancer and was fortunate enough to become a liver transplant recipient, I understand how devastating a liver disease diagnosis can be," said Donald Melillo, a Liver Life Advocate and liver transplant recipient living in West Chester, Ohio. "I'm happy to be alive and healthy today due to my transplant and just want to join ALF in Washington, DC to advocate on behalf of the 80-100 million Americans living with some form of liver disease because this silent killer is a public health crisis."

Take action for liver disease by becoming a Liver Life Advocate. Learn more at liverfoundation.org/advocacy.

About the American Liver Foundation
American Liver Foundation (ALF) is a national community of patients, caregivers and medical professionals dedicated to helping people improve their liver health. Providing guidance and life-saving resources, we are a beacon for the 100 million Americans affected by liver disease. We advocate for patients and families, fund medical research and educate the public about liver wellness and disease prevention. We bring people together through our educational programs and events and create a network of support that lasts a lifetime. ALF is the largest organization focused on all liver diseases and the trusted voice for patients and families living with liver disease. For more information visit www.liverfoundation.org or call: 1 800 GO LIVER (800-465-4837).

Facebook
X
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram

Media Contacts: 
Julie Kimbrough 
[email protected]
Direct dial: 646-737-9409 
Karla Thomas 
[email protected]
Direct dial: 773-575-9477

SOURCE American Liver Foundation