ASRT HONORS MISSISSIPPI TECHNOLOGIST
AND MISSOURI R.T. SOCIETY FOR ADVOCACY EFFORTS


Energy, determination and persistence are qualities that paid off recently for members of the Missouri Society of Radiologic Technologists and for Diane Mayo, R.T.(R)(CT), of Florence, Miss.  Both have been named recipients of 2003 ASRT Awards for Outstanding Grass-roots Advocacy.
The awards, presented for the first time this year, recognize leadership in grass-roots political efforts on behalf of the radiologic sciences.  The ASRT plans to present the awards annually to an individual ASRT member and to an ASRT affiliate society based upon a written nomination, specific criteria and a point scale.
The Missouri Society of Radiologic Technologists was nominated for the award by its former president, Benjamin J. Morris, R.T.(R)(T)(CT).  In his nomination letter, Mr. Morris noted that the MSRT has formed its own grass-roots network comprised of dozens of members who have volunteered to contact state lawmakers about issues that affect radiologic technology. 
The MSRT also has sent representatives to each of the past five "R.T. in D.C." meetings in Capitol Hill, organized as a lobbying day for technologists to promote the Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence bill.  The MSRT plans to have its own version of the R.T. lobbying day at the state capital in Jefferson City later this year.  The local event will be called "R.T. in J.C."
"Missouri is one of 13 states that does not license or regulate radiologic technologists," said Christine Lung, ASRT director of government relations.  "The Missouri society has worked diligently at both the state and federal level to ensure quality care for radiology patients in their state.  Members of the Missouri society should be proud of the progress they have made."
"This award will give us all a boost to keep up the fight," said MSRT President Anne Rutz, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(M).  "This is an award for the entire organization, not just a few people.  We are thrilled and honored."
The MSRT will receive its $250 award during the ASRT Annual Conference in Las Vegas.
Receiving the $100 award for individual participation in grass-roots efforts will be Diane Mayo, an ASRT member since 1976.  During the past five years, Ms. Mayo has written dozens of letters and made many visits to many federal legislators from her state in support of the CARE bill.  She then took her commitment a step farther by working for the re-election campaign of a CARE bill cosponsor. 
When the bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in 2002, Charles "Chip" Pickering, R-Mo., signed on as cosponsor.  Later that year, Mississippi reduced its number of federal representatives from five to four and Rep. Pickering had to run a re-election campaign against Rep. Ronnie Shows to represent the state's 3rd Congressional district.  Rep. Shows did not support the CARE bill.  Ms. Mayo volunteered for Rep. Pickering's campaign and made many Mississippi voters aware of his support for the bill.  "This helped Chip achieve victory in the election," said Dawn McNeil, B.S., R.T.(R)(M), RDMS, who nominated Ms. Mayo for the advocacy award.
"Diane Mayo is a tireless worker on behalf of the radiologic sciences profession," said Christine Lung of the ASRT.  "She works with students as a clinical site coordinator and always emphasizes to them the importance of actively participating in advocacy efforts.  She is truly deserving of this award."
Both awards will be presented June 17 at the ASRT Grass-roots Network Breakfast during the ASRT Annual Conference in Las Vegas.  The ASRT Grass-roots Network has more than 800 members who have volunteered to respond quickly when legislators need to be contacted about issues that affect radiologic technology.

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