Rebecca Kirch

Rebecca Kirch, JD, is Executive Vice President of Policy and Programs for the National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF), Patient Advocate Foundation’s charitable advocacy affiliate that pursues systemic change in healthcare through patient-driven policy reforms and partnerships. As a leading health policy expert and advocate in her field, Rebecca’s strategic focus at NPAF prioritizes policies and  healthcare practices that improve equitable access to affordable quality healthcare for under-resourced patients and caregivers across the lifespan. Prior to joining NPAF in 2016, she worked with the American Cancer Society (ACS) and its advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN orchestrating innovative policy, advocacy and program initiatives to improve quality of life and survivorship for all patient ages and cancer stages by integrating palliative care, psychosocial support and rehabilitation services with disease-directed treatment. 

A frequently invited speaker on health policy, patient and caregiver lived experiences and effective patient engagement in health research and reform, Rebecca also serves as strategic advisor on multiple national research, policy and advocacy initiatives. These include policy advisor to Patient Advocate Foundation’s Patient Insight Institute, ACS’s National Navigation Roundtable steering committee, the National Academies’ Roundtable on Quality Care for People with Serious Illness, and the New England Comparative Effectiveness Public Advisory Council (New England CEPAC) program of the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER). Rebecca is also committed to volunteer service as Secretary and board member for Care Camps Foundation that supports pediatric oncology camps for children and families.