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This annual student-led campaign unites the APTA community through advocacy.

On Sept. 17 and 18, students will lead efforts to get more PTs and PTAs involved in falls prevention. The goal? Sending 5,000 letters to Congress on the SAFE Act.

APTA’s two-day Flash Action Strategy rallies our community around important issues affecting our profession and the people we serve. This annual event spotlights an important piece of legislation that impacts our profession through a coordinated two-day advocacy effort.

Join the kickoff event Sept. 16 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

This Year’s Focus: The SAFE Act

The Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly, or SAFE, Act (H.R. 1171/S. 2612) is legislation in the House and Senate that would expand Medicare access to falls screening and prevention services, including referrals to licensed PTs when a fall is reported during a Welcome to Medicare or Annual Wellness Visit.

  • One in four older adults falls each year; a single fall dramatically increases the risk of future injuries.
  • Early physical therapy intervention can prevent costly complications, emergency visits, and hospitalizations.
  • Supports healthy aging and improves quality of life.

Learn more about this year’s Flash Action Strategy by watching this video by APTA lobbyist Steve Kline and reading APTA’s Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act, or SAFE Act (H.R. 1171 / S. 2612) position paper.

Three Easy Ways to Participate

PT and PTA students from across the country are encouraged to raise awareness about the SAFE Act in the following ways.

  • Send a letter to Congress on the SAFE Act (H.R. 1171/S. 2612) using this template letter.
  • Post about the SAFE Act on social media, and tag APTA social media accounts. Use the Social Media Toolkit below during and in the lead-up to the event.
  • Optional: Log your activity for credit on the Student Advocacy Challenge web page or through the APTA Advocacy App.

Don't Stop Here — Spread the Word

Want to lead the charge at your school? Contact Laura Keivel if you are interested in being a point person for your program.

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