PT in the Community

• By: admin
• On: 10/27/2021 10:11:54
• In: News

PT in the Community is a small grassroots effort with the mission to positively impact the local underserved communities that we visit for National PT Conferences. The initiative has been ongoing for the last four years during CSM and will continue with CSM 2022 in San Antonio, TX. Traditionally efforts have an emphasis in school-aged children and the homeless population. 2022 is all about the local community of San Antonio, TX, in addition to the opportunity to support your own local community. 
 
PT in the Community has THREE main components.

• Helping underserved schools within the San Antonio Independent School District
• Helping the underserved and discriminated populations of San Antonio
• AND a continuation of virtual activities, bringing PT in the Community To YOUR Community!

 
In collaboration with the San Antonio Independent School District, we intend to offer on-site volunteer opportunities at 5 local schools during the days of CSM. These on-site visits are meant to educate young students on health and wellness, and the profession of Physical Therapy, utilizing APTA's PT MOVE ME campaign materials. Our funding will support schools in their equipment and supplies needs. With the intention to connect items with the profession of Physical Therapy. In the past we have purchased things like balance pads, resistance bands, bosu balls, kettlebells, agility ladders, etc. Specific school selection is still being negotiated, but please be on the lookout for more information. 
In efforts to support underserved and discriminated populations, we will be coordinating and offering on-site volunteer opportunities during the days of CSM. In partnership with local shelters, including Haven for Hope and SAMMinistries, and in working with the local organization, Street 2 Feet, that promotes health in mind, body, and spirit with individuals experiencing homelessness in San Antonio, using a walking/running 5k training model as medicine. Our funding will provide supplies and items to put together care packages for individuals experiencing homelessness. MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON! Including a collaborative project with PT PROUD to support the Thrive Youth Center, a local San Antonio LGBTQ+ shelter. 
 
Lastly, the 2022 PT in the Community Challenge is a team-based competition! Where teams will have the opportunity to earn points by bringing PT in the Community, no matter where you are or how you do it. The TOP 3 winning teams will earn funds to support their own future local community initiative!! More information will be released before the end of the year. 

Please visit PTintheCommunity.com for more information or email Info@PTintheCommunity.com for any questions. Follow our hashtag on social media, #PTintheCommunity.
 
Please support these efforts by either donating time, via participating in the challenge or volunteering for on-site activities, or donating dime, providing funds to support our efforts. 
 
Our GoFundMe page can be found at https://gofund.me/fea3b2f8
 
Thank you!
 
Dr. Patrick Berner, PT, DPT, RDN
Chair, PT in the Community