The AAO made history with its first-ever double-header Lobby Days in Florida and West Virginia, on March 5 and March 6, respectively. AAO members took action in the two state capitols, engaging directly with lawmakers to inform them about AAO key policy priorities.
In Florida, Dr. Steven Tinsworth, Federal Policy Captain for Florida in the AAO National Advocacy Network (NAN) and Dr. Christina Sanchez made the rounds of legislative offices.
The AAO partnered with the West Virginia Association of Orthodontists and the West Virginia Dental Association for the State Lobby Day, which included a legislative reception the evening before. AAO Vice President of Advocacy Nathan Mick joined West Virginia orthodontists, including Dr. Dan Joseph, West Virginia State Legislative Captain for AAO NAN, Dr. Amy Smith, the state’s AAOPAC Captain in the NAN, and AAO members Dr. Chris Taylor, Dr. Brett Eckley and Dr. Lawrence Kalaskey, for their legislative visits.
“Many thanks to Drs. Tinsworth and Sanchez for their work in Florida,” said Mr. Mick. “It was great being with AAO members in West Virginia, connecting with West Virginia lawmakers and advocating for AAO policy priorities that protect patients. We are also very appreciative of the partnership with the West Virginia Dental Association.”
AAO Members in Every U.S. State Can Help Drive Advocacy Success
In this early phase of the 119th Congress, all U.S. AAO members can help advance advocacy success by taking simple steps to introduce themselves to lawmakers from their states.
“One simple yet very important step for grassroots civic engagement is AAO members knowing who represents them at the local, state and federal levels,” says Mr. Mick. “Equally important is for those elected officials to know their constituent orthodontists.” When policy makers know you, they can come to rely on your counsel for issues related not only to oral health, but health care in general, small business topics, workforce challenges, and more. Building personal relationships with elected officials is key to the AAO’s long-term advocacy strategy and success.”
In less than a minute, you can help the AAO build momentum in Congress by sending a message to your federal lawmakers. Our system will automatically connect you with the right representatives—simply enter your address, review the message, and hit SEND. It’s that easy.
