Over the past year, PTAG has been working hard to increase our presence and influence at the Georgia State Capitol and to elevate our role in the greater healthcare community.
Recently, the physical therapy profession has seen significant amounts of progress – and the incredible success of our 2014 Physical Therapy Day at the Capitol was a testament to the accumulation of these efforts.
More than 100 physical therapists, physical therapy assistants and physical therapy students from across Georgia gathered at the Capitol on Feb. 25, where we had the opportunity to meet with elected officials and legislators to discuss the importance of physical therapy services, along with the inherent cost saving benefits.
The tremendous attendance made a significant impression on the capitol that day, and demonstrated the strong presence our profession maintains in the state of Georgia.
Members enjoyed a full agenda of activities and operated various fitness assessment stations for visitors including, Functional Movement Screens, golf swing analysis, blood pressure analysis and “Ask a PT” programs. They also met with Gov. Nathan Deal and Speaker of the House David Ralston, attended committee meetings and took pictures with members of the House and Senate.
Several legislators took time to visit our room, participate in the fitness stations and speak to our members – providing excellent insight into the legislative process and issues facing our profession.
In addition, House Health and Human Services Committee Chair Sharon Cooper was recognized with the “Legislator of the Year Award” for her support and dedication to highlighting the physical therapy profession in the legislative process.
The amazing turnout for the 2014 Physical Therapy Day at the Capitol was made possible because of our dedicated members who took the opportunity to shine light on current issues affecting health care consumers now – and in future.
As we continue to move forward, it is important that we maintain this same momentum and ensure that our collective voices continue to be heard, understood and acted upon. Our members are vital in elevating important issues to the forefronts of legislative agendas, and we encourage our members to continue becoming actively involved in advocating for the PT profession.
We thank all of those in attendance and look forward to meeting at the “Gold Dome” again next year!
RM Barney Poole, PT, DPT, ATC
President
To see additional pictures please visit the PTAG Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ptaginfo.
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