The Flash Action Strategy (FAS) led April 23-25 by the Student Assembly Board of Directors in conjunction with APTA generated more than 20,930 letters to Congress asking for support of the Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act (HR 1252/S 602), legislation reintroduced in the 113th Congress to include physical therapists in the National Health Service Corps.

More than 6,976 individuals, both APTA members and nonmembers, sent letters through APTA's Legislative Action Center and Patient Action Center on this issue, far exceeding the initial goal of 16,000 letters over 72 hours. This single effort surpasses any other letter-writing campaign on behalf of the profession, APTA said. Through e-mails and social media outreach, the Student Assembly Board met its goal with 13 hours left in the campaign. Josh D'Angelo, Student Assembly Board president, said, "Thank you to the many students, professionals, friends, and families who submitted letters and encouraged others to do the same. Your efforts brought attention to critical issues facing physical therapy, took advocacy to classrooms and clinics across the nation, and served to unify and strengthen our voice. The Student Assembly Board of Directors is inspired by your leadership, dedication, and passion."

The goal of FAS is to encourage students to participate in advocacy and unite with fellow peers on a national scale on a single issue. Members can still take action to support this legislation through APTA's Legislative Action Center and can learn more about APTA's grassroots network and other ways to stay active on APTA's advocacy initiatives in the Take Action webpage.