At the 2018 National Chiropractic Leadership Conference (NCLC), the newly formed ACA Commission on Diversity presented its first report to attendees at the House of Delegates meeting. The commission is a task force whose function is to “help ACA achieve a deeper understanding of diversity issues in chiropractic generally and ACA specifically. The commission is charged with generating a strategic road map for ACA's Board of Governors, outlining ways ACA can become more diverse, improve the practice success of our women and minority members, serve diverse populations within the American population better, as well as other diversity issues of which ACA leadership should be aware.”

Former ACA staff person Andrew Slavik, DC, passed away on April 22, 2018, in Olathe, Kansas. Dr. Slavik joined the ACA insurance relations department in 2008, contributing to important projects such as the Health Care Reform Task Force. While on staff, Dr. Slavik maintained his private practice in Kentucky and thereby offered an invaluable perspective as a practicing doctor, helping to guide association initiatives to develop resources and information for ACA members.  His significant contributions to ACA were recognized in 2012 when he was awarded the ACA’s Presidential Leadership Award.

The 4th annual Professional Baseball Chiropractic Society (PBCS) Seminar and Workshop took place on Jan. 19-20.  It was held at the beautiful spring training home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers in Surprise, Ariz. This was the third consecutive year that the PBCS Seminar and Workshop was hosted at a Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training facility.  Thirty-four team chiropractors were in attendance from the MLB and Minor League Baseball (MiLB), representing a total of 18 MLB organizations. 

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) hosted a historic Stakeholder Collaborative Forum on Jan. 26 at Northwestern Health Sciences University to delve deeper into the current market need for chiropractors in combating the opioid crisis as well as issues related to chiropractors working within or in collaboration with hospitals and health systems. Michele Maiers, DC, PhD, facilitated the meeting with the primary goal to identify industry trends and how to position members to be successful.  Several qualities were identified and work groups were established to help guide ACA in the creation of toolkits we can provide for our members. 

With the new year and the second session of the 115th Congress now underway, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is ready to tackle several important legislative issues on behalf of chiropractors and their patients nationwide. From Medicare equality to health care reform and more, learn which topics ACA will put at the forefront of its advocacy efforts.