Eleven members of the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) have completed the first Amputee Action Network training course. Representing 11 states, the Lead 11 for 2011 will use this training to pass and preserve insurance parity in their states, pass gubernatorial proclamations declaring April as Limb-Loss Awareness Month, and other issues on the ACA’s 2011 Legislative Agenda, according to an ACA press release.
“These 11 people have shown themselves to be proven leaders in their respective states,” said Kendra Calhoun, ACA president and CEO. “They are active in our legislative efforts, support groups, and in their communities. We are proud to present the first ‘graduates’ of the Amputee Action Network course.”
The five-week course took place via conference calls. The lead advocates learned about passing a bill through the state legislature, activating grassroots support, the pros and cons of hiring a lobbyist, setting up advocacy funds, activating and using support groups, and working with the media.
The following lead advocates completed the course: Gloria Price of Wilmington, Delaware; Bill Moses of Pembroke Pines, Florida; Terry Ross of Paducah, Kentucky; Aaron Holm of Shakopee, Minnesota; Don Davis of Moore, South Carolina; Robert Thurman of New Albany, Ohio; Jeff Dammerall of Bridgeton, Missouri; Shari Caradonna of Levittown, New York; Robert Doty, MD, of Clarksville, Tennessee; Tami Stanley of Orem, Utah; and Marifran Mattson of Lafayette, Indiana. Two of the 11 states represented-Utah and Indiana-have already passed parity legislation.
