Volunteerism and Pro Bono Work

1. Volunteerism and Pro Bono Work Rachel Bradrick, Stephanie Funk, Ginny Rogers, Emily Sis, & Laura Webb

2. Why Should I Volunteer or Partake in Pro Bono Work? • Ethical duty as a PT (APTA Code of Ethics) >Principle #7: Physical therapists shall promote organizational behaviors and business practices that benefit patients/clients and society. (Core Values: Integrity, Accountability) >Principle #8: Physical therapists shall participate in efforts to meet the health needs of people locally, nationally, or globally. (Core Value: Social Responsibility) • To whom much has been given, much is expected. • It’s fun to give back! http://www.apta.org/uploadedFiles/APTAorg/About_Us/Policies/HOD/Ethics/CodeofEthics.pdf

3. According to the APTA’s website, pro bono work includes: • Providing service for FREE (or a reduced rate) to people who have limited monetary resources • Donating time (using your professional services) to a charitable organization • Involvement in efforts to make physical therapy more accessible • Giving money to organizations that enable persons with limited finances to have access to physical therapy What Qualifies as Pro Bono Work? http://www.apta.org/uploadedFiles/APTAorg/About_Us/Policies/HOD/Health/ProBono.pdf

4. Where Should I Donate My Services as a PT? There are A LOT of opportunities! However, there are a few things to look at regarding any organization with which you plan to donate your professional expertise. According to the APTA’s website, you should check out: • Length of establishment in a certain area • Connections with the local community and health care system • Influence from local/community leaders at leadership level of organization • Promote community growth • Emphasis on local citizen education and empowerment http://www.apta.org/ProBono/EvaluatingOrganizations/

5. Opportunities for Involvement • Your own clinical setting/institution • Community involvement • Across the country—different U.S. states • Over-seas opportunities • Disaster relief You can get involved at any stage of your PT career! Even as students, we can volunteer! http://www.apta.org/ProBono/ServicesbySetting/

6. Clinics Establish TheirOwn Foundations • Apple Physical Therapy, a clinic in Washington state, established The Apple Physical Therapy Foundation in 1999. • The 501 organization allows donors to make tax-deductible donations to partnered community groups • This allows them to formally support organizations and events in the Washington state area • It has raised over $1 million for charitable organizations since its formation http://www.appleptfoundation.org/

7. Bilingual services • JayDocprovides opportunities for community volunteers to provide interpretation services for the Spanish-speaking community • Similar volunteer opportunities could be offered through private clinics or hospitals http://jaydocfreeclinic.org/volunteer/communitypremed/

8. Community Lunch n Learns Many companies implement programs to encourage employees to become healthier and more productive. • The Foundation for Wellness Professionals is a national nonprofit organization of health care providers committed to promoting healthier communities. • Help health care workers provide FREE workshops for community organizations and businesses • Emphasize prevention for good health • http://www.wellnessspeakers.org/ • Serves to: • Provide charitable actions to community • Improve public relations between clinic and community

9. Community Out-Reach • Join with other organizations • Volunteer at a local free clinic • Volunteer at local or national one-day clinics • Organize free exercise classes, educational events at work sites, booth at county fair • Help disaster relief efforts • Combine your special clinical interest (diabetes management, fitness, fall prevention, etc.) with another organization’s event • Look into regionally or nationally organized events Apta.org

10. Find Events http://healthfinder.gov

11. Out-Of-State Know licensure laws Some states have temporary licensures or offer liability coverage for specific events Know Good Samaritan Laws

12. Supporting Charitable Service Organizations • Can’t spare time? Donate your paycheck! • Designate a percentage of profits from a specific program or time period • 15% of all fitness class registration fees will be donated to JayDoc • American Red Cross accepts wheelchairs, walkers, and canes for needy community members • Donate your brain! • Training healthcare workers in underserved communities provides more long-term benefits

13. International Needs • PT is a luxury often taken for granted in the U.S. • Other countries are not so lucky • Deformities make a difficult life even tougher • Club foot • Physical Therapy could have a huge impact on standard of living http://www.healthhelpproject.org/projects.html

14. Volunteer Opportunities • Palmetto Medical Initiative • Creating a model for sustainable healthcare • Active in Uganda and Nicaragua • Opportunities for students and professionals to have and impact on people in need oversees http://www.palmettomedical.org/current-project/

15. International Organizations • Health Volunteers Oversees • Active in South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia • Providing education to update therapists and enhance the quality of care given • Lectures to educate community on preventative measures http://www.hvousa.org/whereWeWork/physicaltherapy.shtml

16. Missions Opportunities • Christian Physical Therapists International • Active in South America and Africa • Provide opportunities for professionals to go deeper in their walk with Christ while they provide hope for those in need. • Work with mobile clinics providing services to rural communities http://www.cpti.org/index.html

17. But I’m just a student… …I don’t have enough skills to make a difference …No one will want me …I’m too inexperienced and scared of making a mistake …I’m too busy!

18. FALSE! There are many ways physical therapy students can get involved! • Get involved in health education • General Fitness Classes • Volunteer your time at a wellness center to promote healthy living and injury-prevention

19. Volunteer Opportunities for Students • Local Free Clinics • JAYDOC – twice a month (every other Tuesday night) physical therapy volunteer opportunity • Completely student run http://jaydocfreeclinic.org/

20. Too Busy? • After studying for so long, you can loose sight of why you want to go into physical therapy • Volunteering can be reenergizing and rewarding and give a sense of purpose • Hands-on experience can help you learn faster and better

21. Pro Bono Therapy Man http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvxIhkW8rXg&feature=youtube_gdata_player