67. Patient Safety Stories: Sickle Cell Advocacy to Improve Healthcare Safety

Kevin Wake, CMR, CHW, MS, is a 56-year-old patient advocate living with sickle cell disease. After health complications forced him to retire early from his pharmaceutical career in 2017, Kevin found his calling in patient advocacy. He began locally by joining the Uriel E. Owens Sickle Cell Disease Association of the Midwest and co-chairing his hospital’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC). His advocacy has since expanded to the state level and national collaborations with organizations like the Patient Partnered Diagnostic Center of Excellence.

Throughout the podcast, Kevin highlights the power of patient voices in shaping healthcare quality and safety. He stresses the need for patients to be included in decision-making spaces, where their lived experiences can drive meaningful change. Listeners will hear how his and his family’s diagnosis journey and interactions with the healthcare system fueled his passion for advocacy, ensuring better care for those living with sickle cell disease.

Listeners will gain insights into: 

• Tips for proactive care and self-advocacy.
• Understanding how bias can impact diagnosis and treatment.
• How sharing patient experiences can shape policies and improve healthcare practices.

Bio:

Kevin Wake is the chairperson for University Health’s PFAC. He is also the President of the Uriel E. Owens Sickle Cell Disease Association of the Midwest in Kansas City, KS. Kevin has a bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from the University of Kansas and worked in pharmaceutical sales and management for 23 years before taking an early retirement due to health complications from his sickle cell disease. He also has a master’s degree in Healthcare Informatics from Walden University and a Community Health Worker certification from the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.