Sarah Procario is a passionate healthcare advocate and master’s student in public policy.

Sarah Procario is a passionate healthcare advocate and master’s student in public policy at the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy. Sarah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s degree in political science, a Spanish minor, and a certificate in Western European history. At her sister’s suggestion, Sarah volunteered as a camp counselor at Camp Bold Eagle, a traditional summer camp run by the Hemophilia Foundation that serves children living with bleeding disorders. As a counselor, Sarah learned about the daily experiences of children managing these disorders, and she saw firsthand the importance of medical independence. Sarah’s supervisor writes that her “intellect, good humor, and dedication” led the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan (HFM) to offer Sarah a full-time position.

At HFM, Sarah advocated for the bleeding disorders community through statewide patient advocacy initiatives. She developed a year-round advocacy program, including the creation of an advocacy committee and the development of a strategic plan. Over eight years, Sarah led patient responses to issues including Medicaid pharmacy carve-in proposals, Rare Disease Advisory Council legislation, funding for Michigan’s Title V program, and more. Sarah rose to the position of Advocacy Director, and she led the patient response to Michigan House Bill 4353, legislation that would reform copay assistance practices. As chair of the Michigan All Copays Count Coalition, she led efforts to ensure that vulnerable patients could receive the support they need to lead a healthy life, and she learned to analyze legislation and communicate effectively with legislators.

At the Ford School, Sarah will gain skills and confidence in her patient advocacy career. After graduation, she hopes to lead legislative and regulatory initiatives to increase access to affordable health insurance and address the impact of social determinants of health on overall wellness.

CEW+ admires Sarah’s advocacy and names her the Hall-McCannell Scholar.