Two more fantastic examples of how acupuncturists are sustainably working in the public health, thinking outside the box and addressing social needs in an affordable, effective way.

As Adam Burke says, "Historically, the role of public health has been in control of infectious disease, emergency preparedness, ensuring access to affordable care, and promoting community health. Acupuncture services are already an important part of public health service, especially in the areas of community-based HIV/AIDS treatment and in treatment of individuals with chemical dependency issues. Given its growing use in the general public, there is a greater potential role in a wider arena. Numerous studies show how acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic pain; this represents another important area of growth for this medicine. Providing acupuncture within a broader holistic context of diet, movement, and healthy lifestyle could be a potentially powerful contributor to modifications in health behaviors of all Americans."

Providing affordable acupuncture IS a form of providing public health. As acupuncturists, let's expand our vision for what being a health care provider can (and perhaps should) look like.