3-27-07
AOTA Testifies in Congress, Advocates for Research, Education and Services for the Aging
(Bethesda, MD) - Julie Bass Haugen PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, testified before Congress on March 27, 2007, and strongly advocated for increased federal funding that will improve client services while also advancing the profession of occupational therapy. Appearing before the House Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, Dr. Haugen said:
"Occupational therapy is a diverse profession, with much to offer society with children and adults with disabilities, those who are aging, people injured needing supports to work, people needing ergonomically correct workplaces and also in promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles. Virtually all of the service programs under the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee and occupational therapy has or could have a role in making those programs work for the American people."
Dr. Haugen outlined four programs under the Subcommittee's jurisdiction that need strengthening. These include:
National Institutes of Health and Medical Rehabilitation Research
- a 6.7% increase for NIH overall and at least a 6.7% increase for Medical Rehabilitation Research
- a $5 million increase (above the + 6.7% base adjustment) for the National Center on Medical and Rehabilitation Research to increase emphasis on institutional and career development awards to assist underrepresented health professions including occupational therapy
Center for Disease Control
- $3 million for CDC's Falls Prevention Program and Older Driver Initiatives
Health Resources and Service Administration
- $135 million to restore Administration cuts to the Area Health Education Centers Program; the Health Careers Opportunity Program and the Centers of Excellence Programs, which are effective in support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and promotion of diversity and faculty training
Administration on Aging
- $3 million for increased efforts needed to test and bring to market assistive technologies of value to older Americans
"Dr. Haugen was a passionate advocate for our profession today," said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. "Her testimony highlighted the clear benefits of occupational therapy services. I urge all practitioners to contact their Members of Congress to support increased funding for these programs.
Read the complete version of Dr. Haugen's testimony. (pdf)