The AANP’s tool box just doubled in size. With the addition of former Pennsylvania Legislator Gene McGill to the AANP staff, we just increased our footprint enormously. This week Gene travels with Dr. Renee Awad (PA) and Dr. Courtney Jackson (CO) to Louisville, KY, for the National Council of State Legislators (NCSL) annual Legislative Summit. AANP is a long standing exhibitor of the NCSL, an event attracting more than 7,000 legislators, spouses and staff. We gain enormous visibility at this annual event, and with Gene’s presence we will truly maximize our opportunity to educate and influence legislators on the power of naturopathic medicine.
Also on Gene’s plate is the old “where do we go from here” question. Gene is reaching out to every State Affiliate President, introducing himself and requesting information on every legislative agenda. We will use the information from our states seeking licensure, along with the analysis provided by Gene and Karen, to 1) ascertain where are best opportunities lie, and 2) identify the resources each of our states need to be successful.
Work with our licensed states is increasing dramatically thanks to the enactment of federal health care reform and new funding streams. Today’s top priority is accessing a newly funded federal loan repayment program that our analysis indicates will be eligible for NDs. It will require the AANP to work with regulators at HHS while the States converse with their counterparts in state agencies. If all goes according to plan, we will create opportunities for NDs to serve in medically underserved areas.
We are preparing for 2011, and we are preparing to win. Your support is essential to keeping this effort up. So join the AANP (you can pay monthly and you won’t expire until next July) and register for the Convention. Does it take a village? What we must have is the strongest national association possible. You are the best patient advocates in the county. Give your patients a voice and support the AANP.
