National University of Health Sciences’ (NUHS’) Illinois Chapter of Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA) is aiding recognition of National Chiropractic Health Month by celebrating a victory in collaboration with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

NUHS legislative representative, Alli Totzke, initiated the drive to reach out to the Mayor’s office to obtain a formal proclamation declaring October National Chiropractic Health Month in Chicago. NUHS’ SACA chapter was pleased to use this achievement to help bring recognition to World Spine Day, October 16.

These and similar efforts are encouraged annually by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) to increase public knowledge of the chiropractic profession and benefits of chiropractic care. In September, The Illinois Chiropractic Society (ICS) obtained similar recognition from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.

“I chose to reach out to The City of Chicago, because it represents a huge part of our local population,” said Totzke. “It’s all about promoting awareness, and helps facilitate an incredible public health impact.”

Totzke has served as NUHS’ legislative representative since February, and one of the chairs for the 2019 leadership conference held on campus in September.

“I’m looking forward to continuing my advocacy experience in Washington D.C. this spring at Engage 2020,” she continued. As the legislative representative, Totzke will work with U.S. representatives and their staff directly to schedule meetings and help others from NUHS advocate for The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2019 (H.R. 3654).

Passage of the bill into law would allow Medicare beneficiaries access to chiropractic’s broad-based, non-drug approach to pain management, including manual manipulation of the spine and extremities, evaluation and management services, diagnostic imaging and the use of other non-drug approaches, which are increasingly important in national efforts to stem the opioid epidemic. Click here to learn more about H.R. 3654.

(Left to right): Samantha Molda, Ioana Manahilova, Jennifer Amaro Ali Totzke, Nicole Stanley and Lilian Armoush