This morning I had the opportunity to attend a breakfast with Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland and Senator Charles Schumer of New York. At the breakfast, Senators Cardin and Schumer both shared the message of unity of the Democratic party at this Convention.
This afternoon, Christina Metzler and I, had the opportunity to attend a small luncheon with Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez of California. Congresswoman Sanchez has been a long time supporter of occupational therapy issues. During the luncheon she spoke about upcoming education issues that she looks to move forward in the last three weeks of this Congressional session and in the upcoming Congress. I was able to share with her information on the Grip & Grin campaign as she continues to campaign in her home state of California to retain her seat in the House. Christina and I enjoyed the company of Esther Coopersmith, a well know woman in politics in Washington, and her son Jeff Coopersmith of the Coopersmith health law group in Seattle Washington. Jeff and I had some great conversations regarding occupational therapy and challenges with insurance denials. He represents hospitals and has represented his clients on occupational therapy denials to gain reimbursement through the legal process.
This evening we will be attending the convention and will hear from Michelle Obama and Caroline Kennedy.
Thanks for following the blog, feel free to comment and share your thoughts.
Amy
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6 comments:
So exciting to be able to read this and truly see the AOTPAC in action! Glad to know that the concerns and interests of our profession are being brought forward to the convention. Thank you for connecting us to AOTPAC and the convention through this blog!
Amy, what's the most common question you receive from officials regarding OT? THanks for representing! -Monika in Otown
Monika,
Great question. One of the most consistent questions we are hearing here in Denver is what can we do for you (occupational therapy) in Washington. This opens up a door for us to talk about those initiatives key to occupational therapy such as improved patient access to occupational therapy, expanded insurance reimbursement for occupational therapy services, and recognizing occupational therapy's role in prevention and recovery to lay a good platform for our inclusion in health care reform.
On the fun side we are getting some great PR teaching members of Congress and candidates how to work the campaign trail and take care of themselves when shaking hands.
Being new to the profession, I would love for someone to elaborate on the differences between the democrats and the republicans where OT is concerned. In other words, which party seems to be more sympathetic to our cause?
Thanks, AP in SC
AP in SC, thanks for your post. I will answer your question but first I'd like others monitoring the site to share their viewpoints before I share mine. Others?
I wish I knew more to answer you post, New To The Profession. Amy, enlighten us. I'm anxious!
Mo in Om
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