Advocacy

Empowering Experience

My trip to Washington, D.C., this year reminded me how important and empowering being engaged can be. I can only speak for myself, but from what I witnessed it was much the same for my friend Ian who traveled the 2,000 miles from Portland, OR, as well as for the other 50-plus consumers who joined the industry ranks to tell their stories on the Hill. It was exciting to be part of what I felt was the beginning of a new chapter in the Complex Rehab Industry. Providers, manufacturers, clinicians, and, most importantly, consumers came together and spoke one message: that the services, products and access that this industry provides is critical to the well-being and freedoms of the consumers.

While on the Hill, Ian and I went to 10 different appointments, and being that both of us are from Oregon, started off with a coffee social at Senator Merkley's office at 9. There we met the staff and the senator himself, shared stories and sipped Stumptown coffee, a hometown favorite. Once fully caffeinated, we set off on our marathon tour with only one hour break the entire day. It was, to say the least, incredible. With each appointment our contacts grew and our attitudes lightened and the day ended at Congressman Wu's office at 4 p.m., where we were greeted with the news he had just signed on to H.R. 3790. We were tempted to head straight to K Street to see if any of the lobbying firms were hiring.

This was the fifth time that I'd been on the Hill and each time it gets better. I truly believe it is something that everyone should experience at least once. Actively participating in government is one of the most enlightening and empowering experiences I have ever had the privilege to do and participating in an effort as genuine as this one is an honor. I look forward to next time.

Kevin Gouy, ATP, Director of Continuous Improvement