Health Care Reform and Physical Therapists

When I hear "rally," I immediately envision "rally caps" and baseball and the hope and excitement of a cohesive team coming from behind to win the game.

So, okay, what I envision when I hear "rally" is very, very different than a "virtual rally."

This evening the American Physical Therapy Association hosted a "virtual rally" to help physical therapists make an impact on health care reform.

By October 31, 2009 President Obama wants a bill on his desk for him to sign.  He's waiting for a health care reform bill that takes into consideration his suggested 8 principles.

Do you wonder how the American Physical Therapy Association is representing physical therapists?  The APTA's perspective isn't a secret.  That page doesn't have too many details, but this paper on the Role of the Physical Therapist in Health Care Reform is a bit more detailed.

The APTA panel did an excellent job disseminating current information.  The rally could have been much better with less time disseminating information and more time entertaining questions and energizing participants.  Maybe my problem was I wasn't wearing my "rally cap?"   Maybe the real issue is that a "virtual rally" isn't the time or place for "rally caps?"

Every one of us needs to put on our rally caps because we have a role and we need to have our voices heard.  First, we need to stay current and pay attention to all the various proposed changes that will be discussed and debated in about 6 weeks.  The APTA created a Health Care Reform resources center updated with current information and podcasts.  It isn't enough to just read and stay current, the next step is to get involved.  Members can use the Legislative Action Center within the above link.  Nonmembers and consumers can use the Patient Action Center to become involved and have their voices heard.

Now is "rally cap" time... put them on... choose to let your voice be heard!

photo by sportsstan via Flickr

~Selena