APs Take Action for Acupuncture
"If you are not at the table, you are on the table"....Juhan Mixon, lobbyist


David Bibbey and Ben Albritton image Taking Action for AcupunctureDavid Bibbey and Blaise Ingoglia imageBibbey meets with Driskell image


Senator Bradley Visit image

 


 
David and Sen Stan McClain
Rep Traci Koster and Justin Fontanini AP9/24/24  I met with Florida State Representative Traci Koster today.  It went well, we connected on several topics including people we know and Costa Rica.  I went over what we planned and gave her the handout that you gave me along with the check.  She was very happy and mentioned if we needed anything to just call.  She is very down to earth and easy going despite her role as a lawyer, mother, and state representative.  She is a great asset or contact to have regarding help with legislation...........Justin Fontanini

Larissa Macko & Sen Calatayud

 

9/23/2024  Being able to meet with Senator Alexis Calatayud and hold space for a conversation around our healthcare and desire to learn more was refreshing. She her

self is open to trying acupuncture and wants to learn more, she even had an herbal tincture she takes in the day and that was cool. She thought our points in how to protect the practice were valid, shes very understanding. She is a woman of service and faith and i really enjoyed hearing her share that she is passionate about the work she does.

She made me realize its a lot easier to get involved than you think but having the right time allocated is important. She is an inspiration for the younger generation to get involved and serve! Here’s our selfie! .............Larissa Macko

Macko, Sen Calatayud and Casado

 

 

9/23/2024  Larissa Mack and Christina Casado met with Senator Alexis Calatayud to discuss FSOMA's upcoming legislation, 


 

 

9/18/24  Ellen Teeter, FSOMA Executive Director met yesterday with her Florida Representative Will Robinson.  They discussed the upcoming legislative session and FSOMA's plans to introduce a bill.  


 

Jacobs and Tant Legislative Visit Photo


9/12/24    Report on Taking Action for Acupuncture - My meeting with the state representative today, Michelle Salzman went very well. She was extremely happy to receive the contribution from our organization and is a staunch advocate for what we do. I gave her my support and told her if there’s anything I could do for her to let me know. I took it as a very good sign that she talked well over the time that we had scheduled without realizing it, unfortunately that left no time for a photo.  She is a wonderful advocate for our profession If there's anything else I may do please just let me know. Mike Kovach AP


  

Cynthiaann Hayes-Hurst with Rep Dana Trabulsy

 

 

Cynthiaann Hayes-Hurst met with State Representative Dana Trabulsy on Monday Sept 9 asking for her support. #FSOMA #Acupuncture 

 


 

Rep Fiona McFarland and John Gorsuch

 

 

John Gorsuch met with State Representative Fiona McFarland requesting her to support for FSOMA’s Legislative goals. #FSOMA #Acupuncture 

 

 

 
Send us your visit photos!! 

 

 

2024 Clearwater Legislative Action

April 15, 2024 4 APs from the Clearwater area attended Amplify Clearwater's Post-Legislative Session Reception at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort on Clearwater Beach.  They heard the recap from local legislators and had the opportunity to meet with them. 

Amplify Clearwater Event
Legislators at Amplify Clearwater event

L->R Rep Kim Berfield, Sen Ed Hooper, Amanda Payne CEO,
Rep Adam Adamson, Rep Berry Jacques

2024 ACUED DAY

Acupuncture Education Day May be an image of 3 people, hospital and text

 

See more photos here on FSOMA Facebook

 

Pinellas County APs Take Action 

What is happening in your district? 

  • Ellen Teeter met with Representative “Will” Robinson onJuly 26th.  They discussed Mediciaid Expansion to have the state managed medicaid system cover acupuncture for pain and other conditions.  She is planning on attending a fundraiser for him on Sept 29.  
    Her senator, Jim Boyd not making appointments until September. 
  • Jennifer Broadwell has  a meeting  scheduled next week with Senator Tina Polsky.  She  met with Rep Emily Slosberg on Tuesday via zoom. They had an opportunity to discuss recent legislation she has co sponsored, and I thanked her for her initiative in serving  Florida. They spoke about healthcare and the need for increasing access to care and how LAc’s can improve outcomes, offers non opioid and effective options for pain, and much more. She was very open to listening and welcomes the opportunity to learn more about how acupuncture can benefit Floridians. 

2021 Amplify Clearwater Legislative Breakfast

FSOMA is at the Table 
From Left to Right
Sitting: Yue Wang OMD, AP, Ellen Teeter DOM, AP, Carrie Graves DOM AP
Standing: Mary Riggin DOM, AP, Lauren Marienski OMD, AP, Kandice Kaminski
FSOMA IS AT THE TABLE

Sponsorship FlyerAmply Legislator Panel


2019 Legislative Breakfast

For the 3rd year Mary Riggin has spearheaded sponsoring a table at the Annual Clearwater Legislative Breakfast 
This gives the AOM profession a chance to be present and at the table! 

Many thanks to those who attended and supported
BIG THANKS to Mary for her long years of putting her heart and soul into fighting for our profession. 

Left to Right - Deborah Rinehart, Tom Ellman, Hai He Tian, Sara Shiu,  Jerry Riggin, Mary Riggin
not shown Brenda Malone
FSOMA, FAA and FSDOM were at the table!


Brenda Malone & Mary Riggin

 

2018 Legislative Breakfast

2018 Legislative Breakfast

Front Row Left to Right: Brenda Malone AP, Hongjian He AP, Mary Riggin, AP
Standing Left to Right: 
 Carol Bates, AP, HaiHe Tian AP, Sara Shiu AP, Lynn Thames AP, Ellen Teeter AP, Eva Chang, AP and Saima Bhatti AP