Cover the Uninsured Week Raises Awareness About
Uninsured Americans
ALEXANDRIA, VA, March 23, 2009 — The American Physical Therapy
Association (APTA) is urging residents across the country to contact
their local elected officials and members of the media to draw attention
to the problem of the nation's uninsured during "Cover the Uninsured
Week," March 22-28.
APTA is a supporting organization of the observance, designed to
raise awareness of the plight of 46 million uninsured Americans - and
the effect it is having on the country's health care system. The
observance comes at a critical time as President Obama and Congress
begin to tackle the issue of national health care reform.
"As physical therapists, we hear firsthand the many challenges our
patients face in obtaining health care," said APTA President R Scott
Ward, PT, PhD. "As the economy worsens and more Americans lose their
jobs, the number of uninsured is expected to soar. This important week
is an opportunity for our country to join together and become more aware
of the struggles uninsured Americans face, the impact this national
problem has on all of our lives, and how health care professionals and
others can help. "
For online resources and more information on how you can join this
effort, visit http://covertheuninsured.org.
Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care
professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore
mobility - in many cases without expensive surgery or the side effects
of prescription medications. APTA represents more than 70,000 physical
therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical
therapy nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and quality of
life of individuals through the advancement of physical therapist
practice. In most states, patients can make an appointment directly with
a physical therapist, without a physician referral. Learn more about
conditions physical therapists can treat and find a physical therapist
in your area at www.moveforwardpt.com.