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Behind the career: Hrant Jamgochian
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/behind-the-career-hrant-jamgochian/2011/05/18/AF0JUF9G_story.html
Sunday, May 22, 7:45 PM
Hrant Jamgochian
Position: The new executive director of Dialysis Patient Citizens, a
membership organization for dialysis and pre-dialysis patients based
in the District.
With grandparents who survived the Armenian genocide, Hrant Jamgochian
was inspired to speak out against wrongdoing at an early age. He dove
heavily into advocacy, whether concerning the environment, human
rights or mental health. He discovered a passion for health while at
the American Psychological Association and is now advocating for
dialysis patients.
What makes you a skilled advocate?
Taking the facts and putting a human face on the issue to show the
human cost and impact while at the same time having the actuarial
analysis. This was often through mobilizing members to share their
personal stories. When I was at the American Psychological
Association, the members shared their personal stories about how they
were denied access. It really resonated with policymakers and built
momentum in the long run.
What is the biggest challenge about being an advocate?
Patience. Unfortunately it takes a long time to make the kind of
changes that have that broad impact on people's lives. By no means
does that mean for any advocate to give up. It should only encourage
one to continue. I've heard people say that advocacy is cumulative.
You must keep pushing ahead with persistence and perseverance
Can you give an example of this?
At APA, we really helped move the bar on federal mental health parity
legislation, getting almost 70 cosponsors in the Senate, but we
weren't able to pass it. I helped to generate dozens upon dozens of
letters to the editor, wrote editorials, sent tens of thousands of
letters to congressional offices, worked with state affiliates to pass
mental health parity legislation in numerous states. The whole journey
took more than 10 years until there was victory. There was definitely
frustration. But look how long it took to pass the Civil Rights Act.
Often the right things are not easy but you have to keep pushing
ahead.
Which advocate has been most inspirational to your career?
Senator Ted Kennedy because he fought tirelessly, working in a
bipartisan matter, to improve the quality of life for all Americans.
He inspired me to never give up and to keep pushing. If I could do a
fraction of what he was able to accomplish, I would consider myself a
lucky individual.
- Interview with Vanessa Small
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/behind-the-career-hrant-jamgochian/2011/05/18/AF0JUF9G_story.html
Sunday, May 22, 7:45 PM
Hrant Jamgochian
Position: The new executive director of Dialysis Patient Citizens, a
membership organization for dialysis and pre-dialysis patients based
in the District.
With grandparents who survived the Armenian genocide, Hrant Jamgochian
was inspired to speak out against wrongdoing at an early age. He dove
heavily into advocacy, whether concerning the environment, human
rights or mental health. He discovered a passion for health while at
the American Psychological Association and is now advocating for
dialysis patients.
What makes you a skilled advocate?
Taking the facts and putting a human face on the issue to show the
human cost and impact while at the same time having the actuarial
analysis. This was often through mobilizing members to share their
personal stories. When I was at the American Psychological
Association, the members shared their personal stories about how they
were denied access. It really resonated with policymakers and built
momentum in the long run.
What is the biggest challenge about being an advocate?
Patience. Unfortunately it takes a long time to make the kind of
changes that have that broad impact on people's lives. By no means
does that mean for any advocate to give up. It should only encourage
one to continue. I've heard people say that advocacy is cumulative.
You must keep pushing ahead with persistence and perseverance
Can you give an example of this?
At APA, we really helped move the bar on federal mental health parity
legislation, getting almost 70 cosponsors in the Senate, but we
weren't able to pass it. I helped to generate dozens upon dozens of
letters to the editor, wrote editorials, sent tens of thousands of
letters to congressional offices, worked with state affiliates to pass
mental health parity legislation in numerous states. The whole journey
took more than 10 years until there was victory. There was definitely
frustration. But look how long it took to pass the Civil Rights Act.
Often the right things are not easy but you have to keep pushing
ahead.
Which advocate has been most inspirational to your career?
Senator Ted Kennedy because he fought tirelessly, working in a
bipartisan matter, to improve the quality of life for all Americans.
He inspired me to never give up and to keep pushing. If I could do a
fraction of what he was able to accomplish, I would consider myself a
lucky individual.
- Interview with Vanessa Small