I've had the privilege of offering acupuncture to a growing number of veterans this year. Did you know that veterans can receive acupuncture through the VA Benefits program with no co-pay? Veterans must ask their primary care provider for an acupuncture authorization for pain management. Request Bluestem Acupuncture as your provider to be seen at Quarry Arts. Request UW as your provider to be seen at UW at the American Center. Reach out to me directly if you have any questions about this process. Advocating for greater access to acupuncture on state and national levels is an ongoing passion! These pictures are from Acupuncture Advocacy days in Madison and Washington DC that were organized by The Wisconsin Society of Acupuncture (WISCA) and the American Society of Acupuncture (ASA). As a WISCA board member and ASA WI representative I get to do a lot of fun and rewarding outreach 🙌 Hundreds of acupuncturists gathered to inform lawmakers that acupuncture is an evidenced-based treatment option that deserves greater integration into healthcare systems. We also performed acupuncture demonstrations

The American Society of Acupuncture supports HR 1182 'Acupuncture for our Heroes Act' which would expand coverage beyond pain management. More comprehensive coverage would increase access in both rural and urban communities and expand coverage for the following conditions:

• Cancer pain

• Postoperative nausea and vomiting

• Post-surgical gastroparesis syndrome

• Opioid-induced constipation

• Opioid-induced pruritus

• Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy

• Aromatase inhibitor-associated joint pain.

• Stress management

• Mental health conditions

• Substance abuse

• Symptoms relating to traumatic brain in- and post-traumatic stress.

As the evidence base for acupuncture grows, demand will follow. HR 1182 also supports Licensed Acupuncturists as the primary provider for acupuncture, both in VA facilities and in community care clinics.

The integrative power of acupuncture means that a person seeking treatment for pain management is likely to also experience positive changes in sleep, stress management, and other areas in life. I am very grateful for the opportunity to offer acupuncture to veterans!