Floor Statement by U.S. Representative Michael Michaud on 2007 OT MonthExtension of Remarks: Recognizing April as Occupational Therapy Month and Highlighting the Contributions of Occupational Therapy to our Nations' Veterans M. Speaker, I rise in recognition of April as Occupational Therapy Month and in my capacity as Chairman of the Veteran's Affairs Health Subcommittee, to acknowledge the contributions of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to not only our Veterans across the country, but also our brave service men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Occupational therapy is a profession dedicated to the improvement and maximization of function, performance and independence. Occupational therapists work with individuals across the lifespan to prevent injury, restore function and reduce disability so that patients may live as satisfying, productive and independent lives as possible. Occupational therapists use activity based therapeutic activities to engage patients and help them achieve functional goals that provide them with the ability participate in activities of meaning. In my home state of Maine occupational therapists provide essential health and rehabilitation services to veterans at the Togus Veterans Hospital in Augusta where I recently visited with veterans and at six veteran's homes throughout the state including four in my district located in Augusta, Bangor, Caribou and Machias. Services provided in these locations stem from a range conditions resulting from traumatic injuries experienced in combat such as amputations and poly-traumas, post-traumatic stress disorder, illness and disease and the disabling effects of aging. In order to meet the need of veterans in Maine Schools of Occupational Therapy in Maine, such as the Kennebec Valley Community College, work collaboratively with the Veteran's facilities in the state to ensure that there are enough trained health care professionals like occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to meet the needs of our veterans. During the month of April, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) will be hosting the Association's 87th Annual Conference and Expo in St. Louis, Missouri. Occupational therapists, occupational therapists and students of occupational therapy from around the country will gather to support the profession and further their educational preparation to meet the needs of their patients. State affiliates like the Maine Occupational Therapy Association (MEOTA) will also be represented to ensure that the concerns of local occupational therapy professionals and patients are addressed at the conference. Of specific note, there will be over 500 education sessions including a panel to discuss active duty and veteran's health care and the important role of occupational therapy for returning our service men and women to maximum function and independence. M. Speaker, please join me in supporting April as occupational therapy month and applauding the work of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants with our veterans and military personnel who deserve to receive the best care possible. |
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