Legislative Update
AANP members and naturopathic advocates truly step up when it comes to writing Congress - and their state legislators. In a short amount of time, 2000 emails have been written to U.S. Senators asking them to oppose S. 3002, legislation that would severely restrict access to supplements, vitamins and herbs. Thus far, not one Senator has joined on as a co-sponsor to this bill. This is critical since the only way this will move forward is if Senator McCain generates enough support to add this as a floor amendment to some piece of legislation being considered by the Senate.
In just a few days, several hundred emails were sent to Governors reminding them that naturopathic medicine is part of the solution to resolving generations of health care debt. In the past 12 months, our electronic grassroots program, CapWiz, has been used extensively to support naturopathic legislative efforts. Leading the way is California (6000 emails), Colorado (4600 emails), followed by New York (1600 emails) and Massachusetts (1000 emails). The power of this tool can not be underestimated and should never be underutilized!
How else can you stay involved? Are you receiving our daily news clips on health care and reform efforts? Members of the AANP can email
Jenna.huntsberger@naturopathic.org to receive links to major news stories impacting health care on a daily basis.
DC FLI
It’s almost here, our annual lobby day, and this one promises to be amazing. With everything currently up in the air, predicting exactly what you will be asking for is difficult. It’s safe to say that inclusion in all federal loan repayment programs is top on the list, along with protecting access to supplements. We will keep you posted on negotiations and the tactics being used on the Hill to obtain some sort of insurance reform. Always watchful for opportunity, the provisions contained in House and Senate reform bills may stand a chance for moving forward!
Register now for this event, where you will hone your advocacy skills and make way for a new way of doing health care Registration is free for members. Limited space is available at a nominal charge for nonmembers. This year we are staying at the
Liaison Hotel on Capitol Hill in the shadow of the Capitol dome. Reservations can be made by calling 1-866-AFFINIA (866-233-4642) or through
reservations@affinia.com. Please be sure to identify yourself as part of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians group to guarantee the special group rate of $169/night. The Cut-Off Date for accepting reservations is Friday, April 9, 2010.
Advance State Leadership Training
With the FLI this year comes an amazing training program for our state leadership. On Friday afternoon April 30 and the morning of May 1, join us to learn how to make your State Association financially successful, garner the skills to resolve conflict, embody the rules for negotiation, gain a clearer understanding of your relationship with your lobbyists, and hear first hand how to build coalitions in your states - mirroring the Coalition for Patient Rights. In addition, a panel seasoned naturopathic experts from the AANP Elders Council will share their stories of struggle and success.
The Elders Council
With the advent of the AMA Scope of Practice Partnership, the pursuit of health freedom legislation, and now the myriad of barriers and opportunities presented by our economy and insurance reform efforts, we find few differences in the work of licensed and unlicensed states. In response to the growing needs of our newer state associations, and new leaders from around the country, AANP has created The Elders Council, with a simple and vital purpose – to honor the work of our champions of yesterday so that we serve our champions of tomorrow. Members of the Council will mentor states, document their stories and strategies, and in general, be available to support our volunteer advocates as the work diligently to organize people.
