The American Society of Radiologic Technologists has named James Reaves, B.S., R.T.(R)(MR)(CT), of Georgia, as the winner of the 2023 ASRT individual Award for Advocacy and the New York State Society of Radiologic Sciences as the affiliate award winner.

Based on nominations submitted by ASRT members, the ASRT Award for Advocacy recognizes and acknowledges achievements in various advocacy efforts, including overall growth and development of individual and affiliate grass-roots involvement. The ASRT Committee on R.T. Advocacy selects the award winners, and the awards are presented on behalf of the ASRT Board of Directors. The 2023 Award for Advocacy recognizes efforts that took place between Oct. 1, 2021, and Sept. 30, 2022.

James Reaves, B.S., R.T.(R)(MR)(CT), is the legislative chair for the Georgia Society of Radiologic Technologists and a member of the Committee on R.T. Advocacy Region 7 Subcommittee. He has been a driving force to establish licensure standards for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals in Georgia. He has worked with the Medical Association of Georgia and the Georgia Radiologic Society to garner their support for state licensure requirements for radiologic technologists. He worked with the Georgia Occupational Regulation Review Council and provided testimony that resulted in a licensure bill being introduced in 2022. In addition, Reaves worked with ASRT and other organizations to strengthen regulations governing personnel who operate radiographic equipment. He has given lectures on the importance of advocacy and was instrumental in organizing a Georgia capitol hill day to educate lawmakers about medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals.

The New York State Society of Radiologic Sciences legislative committee communicates frequently with board members and medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals in the state. The affiliate thoroughly investigates legislative and regulatory topics and hosts a legislative section on its website that outlines bills and regulations, and encourages members to take action. A significant NYSSRS grass-roots achievement was its support in the creation of The Radiation Therapy Association of New York State, a subordinate chapter of NYSSRS. The RTANYS has added an additional advocacy presence by engaging radiation therapy professionals to become involved in state legislative efforts. NYSSRS worked collaboratively with RTANYS to host a dual conference in September 2022, offering more access to advocacy tools for new members and radiation therapists. Even more, the NYSSRS legislative committee works with the state’s Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection. The relationship has resulted in increased communication between radiologic technology organizations and government entities.