Though chiropractic students may not always be aware of it, there is a tremendous amount of labor and political advocacy that goes into protecting their rights to practice in the most fair and advantageous manner possible. The primary channels for legislative chiropractic advocacy run through state and national chiropractic associations. One such organization that Life University (Life U) fosters a strong relationship with is the Georgia Chiropractic Association (GCA).

The GCA has many Life U alumni in its ranks, including GCA President Dr. Winston Carhee. Dr. Carhee delivered a rousing speech at a recent Life U Chiropractic Assembly held February 5, 2026. Titled “Your GPSA to a Healthy Life”, Dr. Carhee implored our future chiropractors to see their time at Life U as the vehicle that will help them get where they want to go personally and professionally. He also urged students, even during their time in the D.C. program, to begin to think about how they can get involved in action efforts that can protect and defend their profession and practices.

The GCA and its members have actively promoted the profession in the Georgia legislature in various ways, most notably lobbying to ensure chiropractors were deemed essential workers during COVID-19 so that practices could keep their doors open. As a result, some practices, such as Dr. Carhee’s, actually, saw an increase in patients instead of an immediate halt of their good work.

Other amazing recent wins include stopping harmful legislation, improving insurance fairness and passing the Georgia Senate Bill 168 in 2023, which amended the state’s hospital lien law to allow licensed chiropractic practices to file liens related to personal injury cases as necessary. That amendment allows chiropractors to have better peace of mind and the ability to secure payment.

How Students Can Get Involved

Georgia’s Annual Chiropractic Day at the Capitol is being held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 8:00-11:00 a.m., and our Life University community is encouraged to participate.

Students are strongly encouraged to attend Capitol Day, as it is an important opportunity to support the chiropractic profession. It’s a memorable experience that will serve them well in practice and help them contribute to advancing Chiropractic in their state.

Students will learn what issues are affecting Chiropractic in Georgia and why political involvement is crucial for chiropractors. They’ll also get to meet with Georgia legislators during the day, both during breakfast and while the legislature is in session.

 This event is sanctioned by the President; therefore, student participation at Capitol Day will be considered an excused absence for regular class (not exams or lab practicals).

Event Details

The Georgia Chiropractic Association (GCA) will host attendees and their legislators of the Capitol from 8:00-10:00 a.m. in Room 132 (First Floor) of The Capitol Building (under the gold dome). Those in attendance will have the opportunity to meet with legislators to build support for Representative Karen Mathiak’s Insurance Transparency Bill (GA HB170) to protect Georgia patients and improve access to timely care. Attendees will also hear from GCA’s lobbying team, Thrash-Haliburton, about the overall legislative session and what the chiropractic community can do to continue to promote and protect Chiropractic at the state level.

Parking and Registration

 Parking should be available in the Pete Hackney Deck, 162 Jesse Hill Jr. Dr. SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, for $10.00, and it is a short walk to The Capitol.

 From 10:00-11:00 a.m., there will be lobbying and a recognition from the floor of the House of Representatives.

 This event is free, but please RSVP by Monday, February 9, 2026, for the event using the information below:

 RSVP to: Fredrica.Wade@life.edu

Required: You MUST have an official, government-issued ID or driver’s license to enter the Capitol building.

Transportation

There will be a Life U shuttle leaving from the shuttle stop in Lot M (next to the Bell Tower with the Hands) at 7:00 a.m. and picking back up at the Capitol at 11:30 a.m. There are 14 seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For anyone interested in shuttle transportation to and from the Capitol, please send an RSVP email to Fredrica.Wade@life.edu by February 9, 2026, to reserve a seat.

Credit for Attendance

Those who choose to attend will be required to sign in and will be given a signed form at the conclusion of the event; this form will need to be presented to the course faculty member(s) within one week following the event. Once again, no excused absence will be accepted for missing an examination or lab practical.

Life U’s Continued Support for the GCA and other chiropractic associations

 Life U is so proud to have such a long-standing connection to the GCA and the vital work they do daily. There are plans to bring a GCA student club on campus soon as well, which would be a great addition to the University’s already immense offerings of student club arms of esteemed chiropractic associations. Stay tuned for updates to learn more.