The World Chiropractic Alliance -- Dr. Timothy Merrick named new NGO representative from WCA

Dr. Timothy Merrick named new NGO representative from WCA

World Chiropractic Alliance CEO Terry A. Rondberg, DC announced last month that the organization's Board of Directors has voted unanimously to appoint Timothy Merrick, DC, as its NGO (non-governmental organization) representative to the United Nations' Department of Public Information.

"I'm very excited to have Dr. Merrick assume this important position representing chiropractic on the world stage," Dr. Terry Rondberg stated. "Tim has shown a true passion for the art, science and philosophy of chiropractic for two decades. He is particularly interested in the humanitarian outreach our position as an NGO makes possible."

In 1998, the Department of Public Information at the UN conferred NGO status to the WCA. Christopher Kent, DC, was the group's first NGO represented and went on to serve as chairman of the NGO Health Committee. More recently, Ken Vinton, DC, filled the post.

"Those are big shoes to fill," said Merrick. "They have both been heroes of mine and I look to them with the greatest respect."

Among Merrick's duties will be attending weekly briefings at the UN headquarters in New York and meeting with representatives from other NGOs from around the world. He will share information about chiropractic and the role chiropractors can play in addressing health concerns in developing nations as well as in first-world countries.

"Tim honed his diplomatic skills in the political arena during his bid for the New York State Senate seat," stated Dr. Vinton. "These skills make him especially suited to this position. I'm proud to have Dr. Merrick carry the torch at the UN."

"I'm honored to take the vision of a subluxation-free world to an audience that's hungry for solutions to global problems," Merrick said. "Although the UN addresses the planet's most pressing issues, its approach is holistic. They understand that solving problems begins in each home, in every village and community. The UN has great appreciation for the fact that real peace comes only when people are fed, healthy, and have a voice in their society," he added.

Richard Barwell, DC, WCA president agrees. "The WCA has enjoyed a great working relationship with the UN's Department of Public Information. Our message that health comes from the inside-out has been very well received," he said.

Now in his 20th year of private practice, Merrick is board-certified in Canada and the United States. He has offices in Manhattan and in Plattsburgh, NY, and has practiced in Ridgefield, Conn., and Ottawa, Ontario.

"I accompanied Dr. Michael Kale to Moldova, where we gave specific upper cervical adjustments to critically ill patients in a local hospital," Merrick related. "And I've been to the mountains of Panama with Dr. Luis Ocon and Dr. Jim Sigafoose, where we each adjusted more than a thousand patients a day. While we scramble here at home for handouts in the medical-insurance juggernaut, hoping to see a few more patients or collect a few more dollars, there is an entire world hungry for what we offer: drug-free, inexpensive, safe, effective, health care that is portable and easily administered."

The UN's Millennium Development Goals (MDG) seek to end poverty and hunger, provide universal education, foster gender equality, ensure child and maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, create environmental sustainability, and produce global partnerships by 2015.

"Chiropractors have so much to contribute within the framework of the MDGs," explained Merrick. "We want to reach the populations of the world who are hungry for what we provide. The venue of the UN and the language of the MDGs offer an unprecedented opportunity for chiropractic to expand its influence and fulfill its potential.

"While we need to reach into the heart of each neighborhood, I'm also indebted to those chiropractors who extend themselves beyond their local communities," he continued. "Dr. Peter Morgan travels all over the world with a group of chiropractic volunteers. He's been to Haiti several times already this year, before and after the tragic earthquake. While his team adjusted many thousands there, they also brought fresh water, water purification systems, and other essentials. He's spreading our message in a way it can be understood best.

"Dr. Terry A. Rondberg's effort to establish a chiropractic presence at the UN," concluded Merrick, "is one more example of his dedication to the future of our profession. It shows his understanding that we must dialogue with those stakeholders who shape both public policy and public opinion."