Darla S. Bell is a patient advocate, a board member of Patients Rising, and an energy executive who lives in Dallas. Darla has a chronic condition that requires the use of specialty medication. She knows first-hand the barriers that patients face throughout the healthcare system. She has written about this issue in the Austin American-Statesman.

Darla is a leading advocate against the use of Copay Accumulator Adjustment Programs (CAAPs), which threaten access to medications for patients like her because they don’t allow copay assistance to count toward patients’ deductibles. She has battled against CAAPs herself and is now encouraging legislators to restrict their use in insurance benefit programs.

In 2021, Darla joined the board of Patients Rising and has completed the Patients Rising Advocacy Master Class to help make her an even more effective patient advocate. She wants to use her patient experience and knowledge to help others with rare and chronic diseases.

With over two decades of experience in regulatory compliance, in the energy and environmental industries, Darla leads Noble Grace, which helps this crucial part of the economy operate in a safe and responsible manner.

Darla holds a Master of Science in Hazardous Waste and Environmental Management from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Darla has worked with over 120 energy companies located throughout the United States and Canada.

Darla has served on the Board of Directors for the American Public Gas Association and has served as Chairman to the Marketing and Communications committee for the Texas Gas Association, where her contributions earned her a personal achievement award in 2006 – 2007. Darla also served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Women Business Owners Dallas – Ft. Worth chapter, served as the Director of Public Policy and earned the Rising Star award in 2011.  Darla is a recipient of the Free2Care, Dan Weber Patient Advocacy Award.