The Foundation for Physical Therapy plans to launch the public phase of a campaign to establish the nation's first center dedicated to expanding the number of physical therapy scientists in the field of health services and health policy. The announcement will take place June 27 at the Foundation's annual gala at this year's APTA Conference and Exposition.

The mission of the Center of Excellence (COE) is to train the next generation of physical therapist investigators who will gain skills necessary to examine effective delivery, organization, financing, and analysis of outcomes.

The one-year fundraising campaign has surpassed the half-way mark, with $1.7 million raised toward the goal of $3 million. Its progress so far is due in large part to a leadership pledge of $1 million from APTA and through 100% participation in the campaign from the Foundation's board members.

Other significant contributors include APTA's Tennessee Chapter, Wisconsin Chapter, Section on Geriatrics, Home Health Section, Neurology Section, Orthopaedic Section, Private Practice Section, Section on Research, and the Sports Physical Therapy Section.