Volunteerism and Pro Bono Work

Volunteerism and Pro Bono WorkRachel Bradrick, Stephanie Funk, Ginny Rogers, Emily Sis, & Laura WebbEthical duty as a PT (APTA Code of Ethics)>Principle #7: Physical therapists shall promoteorganizational behaviors and business practicesthat benefit patients/clients and society.(Core Values: Integrity, Accountability)>Principle #8: Physical therapists shall participate inefforts to meet the health needs of people locally,nationally, or globally.(Core Value: Social Responsibility)To whom much has been given, much is expected.Its fun to give back!

Why Should I Volunteer or Partake in Pro Bono Work?http://www.apta.org/uploadedFiles/APTAorg/About_Us/Policies/HOD/Ethics/CodeofEthics.pdfhttp://www.apta.org/uploadedFiles/APTAorg/About_Us/Policies/HOD/Ethics/CodeofEthics.pdf2What Qualifies as Pro Bono Work?According to the APTAs website, pro bono work includes:

Providing service for FREE (or a reduced rate) to people who have limited monetary resourcesDonating time (using your professional services) to a charitable organizationInvolvement in efforts to make physical therapy more accessibleGiving money to organizations that enable persons with limited finances to have access to physical therapy

http://www.apta.org/uploadedFiles/APTAorg/About_Us/Policies/HOD/Health/ProBono.pdfhttp://www.apta.org/uploadedFiles/APTAorg/About_Us/Policies/HOD/Health/ProBono.pdf

3Where 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 APTAs website, you should check out:Length of establishment in a certain areaConnections with the local community and health care systemInfluence from local/community leaders at leadership level of organizationPromote community growthEmphasis on local citizen education and empowerment http://www.apta.org/ProBono/EvaluatingOrganizations/http://www.apta.org/ProBono/EvaluatingOrganizations/4Your own clinical setting/institutionCommunity involvementAcross the countrydifferent U.S. states Over-seas opportunitiesDisaster relief

You can get involved at any stage of your PT career! Even as students, we can volunteer!

Opportunities for Involvementhttp://www.apta.org/ProBono/ServicesbySetting/

http://www.apta.org/ProBono/ServicesbySetting/5Apple 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 formationClinics Establish TheirOwn Foundationshttp://www.appleptfoundation.org/

6JayDoc provides opportunities for community volunteers to provide interpretation services for the Spanish-speaking community

Similar volunteer opportunities could be offered through private clinics or hospitalsBilingual serviceshttp://jaydocfreeclinic.org/volunteer/communitypremed/ 7Many 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 businessesEmphasize prevention for good healthhttp://www.wellnessspeakers.org/

Serves to:Provide charitable actions to communityImprove public relations between clinic and communityCommunity Lunch n LearnsCommunity Out-ReachJoin with other organizationsVolunteer at a local free clinicVolunteer at local or national one-day clinicsOrganize free exercise classes, educational events at work sites, booth at county fairHelp disaster relief effortsCombine your special clinical interest (diabetes management, fitness, fall prevention, etc.) with another organizations eventLook into regionally or nationally organized eventsApta.org9Find Eventshttp://healthfinder.gov

10Out-Of-StateKnow licensure lawsSome states have temporary licensures or offer liability coverage for specific eventsKnow Good Samaritan Laws

11Supporting Charitable Service OrganizationsCant spare time? Donate your paycheck!Designate a percentage of profits from a specific program or time period15% of all fitness class registration fees will be donated to JayDocAmerican 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

12International NeedsPT is a luxury often taken for granted in the U.S.Other countries are not so luckyDeformities make a difficult life even tougherClub footPhysical Therapy could have a huge impact on standard of living

http://www.healthhelpproject.org/projects.html

Volunteer OpportunitiesPalmetto Medical InitiativeCreating a model for sustainable healthcareActive in Uganda and NicaraguaOpportunities for students and professionals to have and impact on people in need oversees

http://www.palmettomedical.org/current-project/

International OrganizationsHealth Volunteers OverseesActive in South America, Africa, the Middle East, and AsiaProviding education to update therapists and enhance the quality of care givenLectures to educate community on preventative measures

http://www.hvousa.org/whereWeWork/physicaltherapy.shtml

Missions OpportunitiesChristian Physical Therapists InternationalActive in South America and AfricaProvide 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 communitieshttp://www.cpti.org/index.html

I dont have enough skills to make a difference

No one will want me

Im too inexperienced and scared of making a mistake

Im too busy!But Im just a studentThere are many ways physical therapy students can get involved!

Get involved in health educationGeneral Fitness ClassesVolunteer your time at a wellness center to promote healthy living and injury-prevention

FALSE!Local Free Clinics

JAYDOC twice a month (every other Tuesday night) physical therapy volunteer opportunity

Completely student run

http://jaydocfreeclinic.org/Volunteer Opportunities for StudentsAfter 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 betterToo Busy?Pro Bono Therapy Manhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvxIhkW8rXg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

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