Press Release: NEW HEALTHCARE POLICY ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCES NATIONAL AGENDA TO EXPAND ACCESS TO EVIDENCE-BASED INTEGRATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE

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NEW HEALTHCARE POLICY ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCES NATIONAL AGENDA TO EXPAND ACCESS TO EVIDENCE-BASED INTEGRATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE

AACPN introduces initiatives focused on healthcare access, veterans healthcare, mental health treatment, scientific research and evidence-based alternative healthcare policy.

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2026 — The American Alternative Care Policy Network (AACPN) today announced a national policy agenda focused on expanding access to evidence-based integrative and alternative healthcare, supporting scientific research including psilocybin and other psychedelic assisted therapies for veterans, trauma survivors and other underserved populations.

AACPN recently launched three initiatives that collectively define its mission: the Alternative Care Access Campaign, the Psychedelic Research Initiative and the Hemp Beverage Policy Initiative. Together, the initiatives support healthcare access, scientific research and evidence-based public policy for emerging and integrative treatment options.

AACPN advocates for evaluating treatments based on scientific evidence, patient safety and measurable outcomes rather than whether they are categorized as conventional, alternative or integrative.

The Alternative Care Access Campaign focuses on expanding access to evidence-based treatments through Medicare, Medicaid, the Department of Veterans Affairs and private insurance plans. The Psychedelic Research Initiative supports continued scientific research into emerging therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, addiction and related conditions. The Hemp Beverage Policy Initiative advocates for responsible regulation of hemp-derived cannabinoid products while emphasizing consumer safety and informed choice.

"Too many Americans continue to face barriers accessing treatments that may improve their health and quality of life simply because coverage policies have not kept pace with evolving research," said Amanda Parker, director of alternative care and community advocacy for AACPN. "Patients deserve access to safe and effective care options supported by evidence, regardless of whether those treatments are considered conventional or alternative."

"Healthcare coverage decisions should be guided by scientific evidence, patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness," said John Gordon, director of healthcare policy and external affairs for AACPN. "Policymakers should evaluate alternative and integrative treatments using the same standards applied throughout healthcare and ensure that coverage systems can adapt as evidence evolves."

AACPN places particular emphasis on veterans, first responders and trauma survivors who often face complex physical and behavioral health challenges and limited treatment options.

"Veterans, first responders, trauma survivors, healthcare professionals, social workers, and others often face some of the most complex physical and behavioral health challenges in our society," said Adrian Bruneau, director of political and public affairs for AACPN. "As research continues to evolve, policymakers should be willing to examine where evidence supports expanding access to new treatment options that may improve long-term recovery and quality of life."

AACPN plans to work with policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers and patient advocates to advance evidence-based policies that expand patient choice and improve healthcare access.

About AACPN

The American Alternative Care Policy Network is a nonprofit healthcare policy organization dedicated to advancing the safe, legal and scientifically validated integration of alternative, integrative and emerging healthcare treatments into the American healthcare system. AACPN focuses particularly on improving treatment options and healthcare access for veterans, first responders, trauma survivors and others living with chronic pain, behavioral health challenges and the long-term effects of physical or psychological trauma. The organization advocates for evidence-based policies that expand patient choice, improve healthcare access and support continued innovation in healthcare delivery.