Rising Stars: Meet Angela Devone

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Devone.

Hi Angela, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started the non-profit in 2019. I have over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry and a clinical background as a Nursing Assistant. While working in the Department and in a provider’s (doctor’s office) I was surprised to see many patients that were completely in the dark about their insurance. Furthermore, some were not properly prepared when they arrived for their doctor’s visit. I noticed this more so with the elder population. I would take time to explain their insurance; even as to why they had to pay co-pay. Some were surprised in how the amount of their co-payment was different for a primary care visit, a specialist visit, or the Emergency Room. I felt there was a need to engage, encourage and empower the community.

When Covid-19 became an issue in the community in 2020, we had to shift our focus from in-person education to online. Also during this time, it was apparent food insecurities in the community. We were able to provide gift cards to a low-income elderly community, and an assisted living facility, with necessities, as face masks, hand sanitizer, and other essentials.

Fast forward to 2021. We are still trying to assist the community with food insecurities, and to educate in person or virtually to understand their insurance plan(s), how to be properly prepared for a doctor visit. In the near future, we plan to provide seminars where we educate the community on Alzheimer’s & care, dementia, and the importance of having proper documents in order. (living wills, advance directives, Hippaforms, and more)

We are hoping by early next year that we are able to have classes where we teach the senior community the basics of how to navigate the internet, and how to have a virtual visit with their healthcare provider.
In addition, we strive to offer (2) scholarships per year to students that are entering the healthcare or social work field.

We want to continue to grow by being able to assist the community.

Within the next week or so, we are launching a fundraiser with t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, etc. that read: “Engage, Encourage, Empower”. This is our mission and mantra for the community!!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been smooth!

In 2020 at the height of covid-19 as we were prepared to go out into the community and provide seminars, our communities were shut down, and covid-19 was rampant!

We had to scramble to pivot! At that time we focused on online webinars and information, as well as providing face masks and hand sanitizers to the elderly and low-income communities.

Here we are in 2021, and we are still struggling!! Funding is an ongoing issue and receiving grant funds.

In addition, we are still actively recruiting for additional board members to help us grow!

Having a non-profit is a constant struggle as funding is always needed for programs.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We specialize in educating the community! Particularly on their insurance plans, and how they can how a productive doctor visit by being prepared and asking the right questions.

I am known for being the insurance guru and educating and empowering and encouraging others.

I am most proud of starting the non-profit and going through the process.

What sets me apart from others is that I want everyone to be EMPOWERED with knowledge! None of us are born knowing everything. We were all taught along the way.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t call it luck! I consider it a blessing that I have had people along the way to guide me in my non-profit journey as well in my personal life. As long as I stay focused, and try to remain positive, and continue to press forward, everything will come together.

Contact Info:

• Email: proactivepatientadvocacy@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.proactivepatientadvocacy.org/
• Instagram: @proactivepatientadvocacyinc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/proactivepatientadvocacy
• Youtube: youtube.com/proactivepatientadvocacyinc