Let’s Hear It for the APTA – A Friend of the Forces

On Tuesday, Jan. 10th, the APTA attended the launch of a new Joining Forces initiative aimed at increasing the involvement of health care associations and the providers they represent in the identification of traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, and post-combat depression in military members. The initiative partners the health care community with federal agencies to develop resources and educational materials to fully engage providers in meeting the needs of the nation’s service members with these conditions, and their families. APTA is 1 of only 2 therapy associations invited to participate in the initiative.
At the launch, attendees heard briefs at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence from several directorates of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, and a presentation on the journey of a wounded warrior from the battlefield to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Dynasplint colleagues have donated time and cooking talent to provide a Fiesta evening for ambulatory service members rehabbing at Walter Reed. The Neurological Division serves many traumatic brain injury patients with dynamic splints that not only address joint contracture and range of motion, but also increased tone and spasticity. We are proud to serve members of the armed forces to restore life-the way it ought to be.