About Consumer Voice
Advocating for quality care and quality of life for all consumers of long-term care
What We Do
Consumer Voice empowers long-term care residents, their families, and advocates in the pursuit of quality care and services, quality of life, and protection of rights.
11,720
advocates in our network
49
years of advocacy
8,167
advocates attended Consumer Voice training in the last year
Our Vision & Mission
Consumer Voice is the leading national voice representing consumers in issues related to long-term care, helping to ensure consumers are empowered to advocate for themselves. We are a primary source of information and tools for consumers, families, caregivers, advocates, and Ombudsmen to help ensure quality care for the individual.
To carry out our mission, we:
Advocate for public policies that support consumers’ needs in all long-term care settings.
Empower & Educate
Empower and educate consumers and families with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for themselves.
Train & Support
Train and support individuals and groups that empower and advocate for consumers of long-term care.
Promote
Promote the critical role of direct-care workers and best practices in quality care delivery.
Consumer Voice envisions a world in which all consumers of long-term care, services, and supports are treated with respect and dignity and have a wide range of affordable, quality options across all settings. These options will make it possible for individuals to receive care and services in the location and manner of their choice and to attain a high quality of life.
Stay Connected
Be an active supporter and the first to know about Consumer Voice’s new resources and updates on important policies affecting long-term care consumers.
Podcast
Subscribe to the Pursuing Quality Long-Term Care podcast to join us as we talk with national experts and advocates about strategies you can use in the pursuit of quality long-term care.
Consumer Voice History
The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care was formed as National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR) in 1975 because of public concern about substandard care in nursing homes. Today, Consumer Voice continues to be the preeminent voice of long-term care consumers at the national level.
1970s
In 1975, a coalition of the Gray Panthers, Ombudsman programs, and other citizen groups held a symposium in…
1980s
In 1986, NCCNHR kicked off the Campaign for Quality Care in Nursing Homes, bringing together national groups representing…
1990s
In 1993, the Administration on Aging (AoA) awarded Consumer Voice with its first three-year grant to operate the…
2000s
In 2009, NCCNHR debuted a new tagline and logo, The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. The change in name represented the organization’s dedication and recommitment to our unique and direct connection to the voices of real long-term care consumers and their families.
2010s
The 2010s saw a renewed focus on advocacy efforts and centering of the consumers’ voice. During the Consumers for Quality Care…
2020s
More than 170,000 nursing home residents were lost to COVID-19, and tens of thousands more died from the effects of isolation…
Meet the Team
Consumer Voice’s staff is comprised of knowledgeable professionals with expertise and passion for empowering long-term care consumers.
Katie O’Hearn
Manager, Program and Outreach
Katie O’Hearn joined the National Ombudsman Resource Center in November 2015 and currently serves as the Manager of Program and Outreach. In her role, she is responsible for updating and managing the NORC website and clearinghouse of information, assisting with special projects, providing technical assistance, and enhancing outreach and communication with state and local Ombudsman programs. Prior to joining the Consumer Voice, she worked as an intern for C-SPAN, volunteered in a nursing home, and worked as a Communication Consultant with the Consumer Voice and NORC. Katie graduated Magna Cum Laude from Saint Vincent College in 2015 with a B.A. in Communication and a minor in Marketing.
Consumer Voice Leadership
Consumer Voice’s leadership is composed of three bodies - the Governing Board, Leadership Council, and Consumer Advisory Council - each responsible for different facets of the mission and management of the organization.
Alison Hirschel, JD
President
Elder Law Attorney
Lansing, MI
Michael Bonamarte, JD
Levin & Perconti
Chicago, IL
Kelly Bagby, JD
AARP Foundation
Washington, DC
Melissa Edwards
Family Caregiver
Clinton Township, MI
Aisha Elmquist
Treasurer
Attorney
Arden Hills, MN
Cristina Flores, PhD, RN
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA
Elizabeth Halifax, PhD, RN
President-Elect
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Naomi Karp, JD
Secretary
Stanford Center on Longevity
Washington, DC
Denise Wells
Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass, Inc.
Lexington, KY
Katherine Bradley
Secretary
Our Mother's Voice
Lugoff, SC
Mitzi McFatrich, Vice Chair
Kansas Advocates for Better Care
Lawrence, KS
Richard Moore
Dignity Alliance Massachusetts
Uxbridge, MA
Sarina Nicola
Lake Placid, NY
Gwen Orlowski
Disability Rights New Jersey
Trenton, NJ
Sarah Slocum
Chairperson
Lansing, MI
Teresa Teeple
Tennessee State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Nashville, TN
Jessica Trudell
Wisconsin State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Madison, WI
Pamela Walz
Community Legal Services, Health & Independence Unit
Philadelphia, PA
The Consumer Advisory Council is made up of a group of energetic and motivated individuals who receive long-term care services and supports. They come together to voice what they’re experiencing in long-term care right now and share advocacy strategies with each other. Their experiences and insights inform our advocacy. We are always looking for dedicated advocates to join the council of consumers.
To join our Consumer Advisory Council, or to recommend a long-term care consumer, email info@theconsumervoice.org.
Annual Report
Our Annual Report provides a bird’s eye view of our education and advocacy initiatives, organizational structure and metrics, and highlighted successes in raising the voice of long-term care consumers.
Internship Opportunities
Interning with Consumer Voice is a dynamic and exciting opportunity for students to get hands-on policy and advocacy experience. Interns will have the opportunity to make a real difference while learning the ins and outs of a fast-paced nonprofit organization. Internship duties include:
- Researching and analyzing public policy issues;
- Writing issue briefs, white papers, policy updates and newsletter articles;
- Assisting in creating advocacy and education materials.
Contact Us
Consumer Voice is a nonprofit organization advocating around long-term care issues at the national level. We are not a direct services agency. For assistance with individual concerns, contact your local long-term care Ombudsman program.
