Advocacy and Policy Reform Committee
Advocacy and Policy Reform Committee
Dedicated to influencing policy and advocating for changes that promote better health, this committee focuses on:
Angela Thatcher, PA-C
Advocacy Committee Co-Chair
Angela Thatcher is a board certified PA, obesity medicine specialist, and owner of Lifelong Health & Wellness in Wake Forest, NC. An NC native, she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her Masters in PA Studies at East Carolina University. She has been an active member of the Obesity Medicine Association for several years and holds their Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine.
A dedicated patient advocate with a background in social work before she became a PA, Angela has strived to improve patients’ access to care by empathic and educated clinicians through her work as a mentor for the OMA and a faculty member in the AAPA’s Obesity Community of Practice. She is active in advocacy on both state and national levels - currently serving on the OMA’s Advocacy Committee and as Co-Chair for the NCOS Advocacy Committee.
Policy Development
Identifying and proposing policy changes at local, state, and national levels to support obesity prevention, management, and treatment.
Community Representation
Ensuring the voices of those affected by obesity are heard in policy discussions and decisions.
Advocacy Campaigns
Organizing campaigns to raise awareness and generate support for obesity-related issues among policymakers and the public.
Stakeholder Engagement
Building relationships with key stakeholders, including legislators, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and community groups, to drive policy change.
Legislative Tracking
Monitoring and analyzing legislation that impacts obesity care and health equity, and responding with appropriate advocacy actions.
Educational Outreach
Providing training and resources to NCOS members on effective advocacy strategies and current policy issues related to obesity.