Nearly 50 Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA) members from New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) attended Engage 2020, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA’s) annual advocacy event and educational conference, in February, in Washington, D.C.
Formerly known as the National Chiropractic Leadership Conference (NCLC), the four-day event brought together students and industry leaders from across the country to attend presentations and meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill.
This year’s program included a variety of education offerings, as well as presentations featuring industry leaders such as NYCC alumni John Rosa, DC, who spoke about the opioid crisis, and Christine Foss, DC, who spoke about sports injuries.
According to Ashley Williams (DC ’20), legislative representative for SACA’s NYCC chapter, students visited 50 offices in one day while on the Hill. “It’s a great opportunity for students to get the public speaking experience and talk about who they are, what we are and what we do as chiropractors,” said William Lauretti, DC, FICC, FACC, professor of chiropractic, who has taken the annual trip to D.C. 14 times as NYCC’s SACA advisor. “They were the boots on the ground.”
Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) were among the many U.S. representatives with whom NYCC students shared important facts about chiropractic in support for Bill H.R. 3654. The legislation would allow Medicare beneficiaries full access to chiropractic health care services.
Lauretti helped SACA students collect facts and anecdotes to prepare talking points to present to their representatives. He also advises the club on a day-to-day basis. The College provides SACA membership for all D.C. students. Other NYCC representatives included Dean of Chiropractic Karen Bobak, DC, EdD; Associate Dean of Chiropractic Wendy Maneri, DC; associate professor Gerald Stevens, DC; and Chancellor Kenneth Padgett, DC.
About The American Chiropractic Association
ACA is the largest professional chiropractic organization in the United States. SACA represents chiropractic students and works to strengthen the profession by nurturing leadership skills among its members as well as providing them with opportunities for personal and professional growth through service and advocacy.
