Editor's Note: This article was written and submitted by AHM Coalition Staff.
At the cutting edge of integrative health care, four pioneering organizations have united to form the Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Coalition (The AHM Coalition). Officially launched at the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) Annual Conference on April 7, 2024, this landmark coalition heralds a new era for health care.
The AHM Coalition is a collaborative alliance, not a new entity, which draws on the existing expert resources of staff and volunteer leaders from the founding organizations: the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM), the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM); the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), and the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA).
Governed by principles of cooperation and collaboration, each member group is entitled to one vote on all issues of significance, ensuring a democratic and unified approach. This coalition structure supports a mission to elevate the professional standards, presence and integration of acupuncture and herbal medicine within mainstream U.S. health care.
"We are at the brink of a healthcare revolution," announced Kris LaPoint, PhD, BMed, MSOM, LAc, president of CCAHM. "With the AHM Coalition, we ensure that every standard from education to practice prioritizes public well-being, improved patient outcomes, and public safety."
This coalition is not only a symbol of unity but a beacon of change, with a vision for 2035 to solidify licensed acupuncturists (LAc) as an indispensable and respected component of mainstream medicine, fully integrated within the U.S. health care system.
As a primary initial focus, the AHM Coalition is advocating for the passage of H.R. 3133 - The Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act. "This landmark legislation is a stride towards making non-invasive, cost-effective acupuncture services accessible to over 60 million Medicare beneficiaries," highlighted Mina Larson, MS, MBA, CAE, CEO of the NCCAOM. "It's not just about increased access; it's about providing seniors the quality care they deserve." Modeling and representing a unified profession, the coalition reinforces health care advocacy and access.
With this, acupuncture and herbal medicine under Medicare could transform patient wellness by offering personalized, evidence-based care to manage pain, increase mobility, and decrease incidents of invasive surgeries and reliance on prescription medications.
"This is about empowering our seniors with choice and access to acupuncture care - proven to manage pain and improve quality of life," emphasized Olivia Hsu Friedman, DACM, LicAc, Dipl OM (NCCAOM), chair of the ASA.
"The AHM Coalition is committed to enhancing the quality and standards of education, training and assessment in acupuncture and herbal medicine, ensuring that practitioners are well-prepared to reinforce safe and effective patient care.," added Mark McKenzie, PhD (China), MSOM, LAc, executive director of ACAHM.
A national town-hall meeting for the entire acupuncture and herbal medicine profession was scheduled for May 15 and offered an open forum to showcase the AHM Coalition's goals and initiatives.
"This launch is just the beginning," said Dr. Friedman. "Together, we will shape a future to ensure all patients have access to these whole-health therapies.”
About the AHM Coalition
The Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Coalition is a collaborative alliance, not a new entity, which draws on the existing expert resources of staff and volunteer leaders from the founding national organizations: ACAHM, ASA, CCAHM and NCCAOM. Governed by principles of cooperation and collaboration, each member group is entitled to one vote on all issues of significance, ensuring a democratic and unified approach. This coalition structure supports our mission to elevate the professional standards, presence and integration of acupuncture and herbal medicine within mainstream U.S. health care.
To remain informed of the AHM Coalition’s ongoing developments, please sign up on our Contact page.
Organizational Contacts
Mark McKenzie, PhD (China), MSOM, LAc, Executive Director of ACAHM: mark.mckenzie@acahm.org
Olivia Hsu Friedman, DACM, LicAc, Dipl. OM (NCCAOM), ASA Chair: info@asacu.org
Kristen Richeimer, CAE, Executive Director CCAHM: kricheimer@ccahm.org
Olga Cox, NCCAOM: publicrelations@thenccaom.org
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