April is OT Month
Sample Press Release
How to use this sample press
release:
This is a general press release to help the
public understand what occupational therapy is. You can
customize it and send it out to local newspapers, TV,
and radio stations, even your facility's newsletter. If
you're planning an event that will have good photo
opportunities or might interest the public, be sure to
include that in the release too.
Click here to customize the sample Press Release below.
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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
[DATE] |
CONTACT: |
[NAME]
[PHONE NUMBER]
[E-MAIL ADDRESS] |
Occupational Therapy:
The Profession that Focuses on Life
Skills
For millions of people, the service of
occupational therapy is a lifeline. People of all ages
receive it to help them participate in the activities of
their daily life. Sometimes people need occupational
therapy to do things we take for granted, like getting
dressed, being productive at school or work, eating
unassisted, even socializing.
Occupational therapy doesn't just
treat medical conditions, it helps people stay engaged
in the activities that give them pleasure or a sense of
purpose, despite challenges.
Occupational therapists do this by
helping people surmount their disabilities or medical
conditions to do everyday things. The nature of the
therapy depends on the individual and their environment;
occupational therapists consider the whole person when
developing a therapy plan. Occupational therapists
collaborate with physicians and other professionals to
ensure a comprehensive approach.
Children, for instance, sometimes have
behavioral or developmental problems that limit their
educational progress. Lawmakers believe occupational
therapy is so important to the well-being of children,
federal law mandates that schools must offer
occupational therapy to children who need it.
Occupational therapy is
"outcome-oriented," which means therapists help clients
work toward achievable performance goals.
In rehabilitation clinics or hospitals,
occupational therapists and occupational therapy
assistants help adults learn or regain skills that allow
them to do meaningful things like working, driving,
shopping, even preparing a meal. All types of people
need this kind of help everyday, from a worker injured
on the job to a grandparent recovering from surgery or a
stroke.
Occupational therapy helps avoid
health problems, and makes it easier to live with
them.
Consider our growing senior population:
Healthier people are living longer lives. Occupational
therapy research proves that keeping people active and
healthy as they age will not only improve their quality
of life, it will lower their health care costs as well.
That is why there are occupational therapy programs
focusing on wellness and prevention - to help seniors
stay healthier and remain active in their homes and
communities. Trained therapists can make homes safer for
people with reduced mobility and failing vision.
Occupational therapists can also teach seniors new
driving techniques that will keep them behind the wheel
longer, as safe drivers.
Occupational therapy addresses one of the
most important aspects of rehabilitation and recovery -
the return to a normal life.
Occupational therapy has its roots, a
century ago, in helping war veterans return to life at
home. These days, occupational therapists work in
rehabilitation hospitals and on the front lines of
combat. Some occupational therapy programs help soldiers
recognize and relieve stress. In addition, occupational
therapy helps soldiers learn to care for themselves
after an injury, including helping them use artificial
limbs.
In recognition of all the ways occupational
therapy contributes to society's well-being, April has
been designated as Occupational Therapy
Month.
[INSERT INFORMATION ABOUT LOCAL OT MONTH EVENTS, AND
WHO THE INTENDED ATTENDEES WILL BE].
To find out more about occupational therapy and how
it might help you, visit the American Occupational
Therapy Association's Web site, www.aota.org.
# # #
The American Occupational Therapy Association is
one of the nation's oldest health care societies,
representing more than 38,000 occupational therapists,
occupational therapy assistants, and occupational
therapy students who help people of all ages maximize
their ability to function independently and accomplish
the everyday things that allow them to participate in
meaningful activities and events. AOTA members work in
practice, policy, research, and education. Nearly one
third of all occupational therapists work in schools. A
significant number work in hospitals and rehabilitation
facilities, helping people to recover from injury or
illness. Other practice areas include mental health,
driver rehabilitation, health promotion, low vision
therapy, aging in place, stress reduction, wellness, and
ergonomics. AOTA serves its members and the public
through advocacy, education, and publishing operations.
AOTA also works to raise public awareness and
understanding of occupational therapy.
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