Flora Yan, BA1, Erika Rauscher,BS2, Amanda Hollinger, MPA3, Mary Ann Caputo, BA4, John Ready, BS5, Carole Fakhry, MD, MPH6, Cherie-Ann O. Nathan, MD7, Chris Leonardis, MS4, Danielle Yearout, MS8, Terance T. Tsue, MD9, Terry A. Day, MD10, Michael G. Moore, MD11
 1Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
2The Thyroid and Head and Neck Cancer Foundation, New York, NY
3The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, Charleston, SC
4Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer, Locust Valley, NY
5Foundation for Voice Restoration, Greenville, CA
6Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
7Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
8The Head and Neck Cancer Living Foundation, Overland Park, KS
9Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO
10Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
11Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
 
Corresponding Author:
Michael G. Moore, MD
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Indiana University School of Medicine
1130 W. Michigan Street
FH 449
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
Phone: (317)362-3846
Email: mooremg@iu.edu
 
Running title: Head and Neck Advocacy during COVID-19
 
Key words: Head and Neck Advocacy, Not-for-profit, COVID-19, Head and Neck Cancer Support
 
Word Count: 4,095
 
 
 
Abstract
 
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on many aspects of head and neck cancer care.  The uncertainty and stress resulting from these changes has led many patients and caregivers to turn to head and neck cancer advocacy groups for guidance and support.  Here we outline some of the issues being faced by head and neck cancer patients during the current crisis and provide examples of programs being developed by advocacy groups to address them.  We also highlight the increased utilization of these organizations that has been observed as well as some of the challenges being faced by these not-for-profit groups as they work to serve the head and neck community.