Page 7 - OPTA September 2018

STUDENT ESSAY WINNERS RECAP
APTA Federal
Advocacy Forum Recap
Brigid Griffin, SPT – University of Cincinnati
Attending the Federal Advocacy Forum (FAF) was a remarkable experience that opened a whole different side to PT and professional advocacy of which I cannot get enough . I traveled to Washington, D .C with my classmate, Emily Poirier, and since then I’ve jumped in to all things legislative at the Federal level and within the APTA . Thank you to the OPTA for the opportunity to travel to our nation’s capital as a representative of Ohio PT .
FAF kicked off Sunday, with a town hall meeting where APTA staff updated the 270 PTs, PTAs and students presented on the federal issues that we would be taking to Capitol Hill Tuesday. That first evening was a whirlwind of information and abbreviations . Following the town hall there was a welcome reception and the excitement in the room was palpable . We met many different PTs that were passionate about advocacy, and happy to share their experiences at FAF, and give us first timers some helpful tips for the coming days . We left the welcome reception eager to get started .
Monday started bright and early with a presentation on the APTA's influence on the Hill due to the work of the PT-PAC. The first session I attended was presented by the Director of Regulatory Affairs, titled “Where We Are and How to Advocate Through Comments .” Regulatory advocacy is the process of advocating to agencies, whether it be local, state, or federal . The next session, presented by Stephanie Weyrauch, to students was on, “Advocating Through Social Media and School.” It was filled with advice to on how to get involved, but not overwhelmed by all the information and opportunities . I highly recommend making a point to seek
out Stephanie at national conferences and take the time to talk
and learn from a growing leader in the PT community . Monday ended with a Hill Visit Prep session focusing on the issues . Those issues included opposition to the Prosper Act that caps graduate student loan limits, a bill that eases restrictions on telehealth, and education on the Outcomes Registry and the role of PT in the Opioid Epidemic . Lastly, we met up with Ohio and hashed out the details for the Hill .
Tuesday, we woke up full of excitement to get to Capitol Hill and share our passion for advocacy! We began with a meeting with Senator Portman’s staff and the whole Ohio team . A few of us headed over to the House buildings to meet with our representatives including the staff of Representative Steve Chabot of Cincinnati . We met with his Chief of Staff . In my first interaction with her through email requesting a meeting her response was, “I LOVE MY PT .” We thoroughly enjoyed talking to her and were pleased with her positive response
to all the issues . We left Washington D .C . with a drive to remain involved as we continue through school and into our professional lives, and a strong desire to return to FAF 2019 as veterans on the Hill .
OPTA Student Scholarship winner, Brigid Griffin, SPT visiting Capitol Hill during the APTA Federal Advocacy Forum 2018.
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