The Foundation for Physical Therapy (FPT) recently announced that the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has pledged $100,000 to the foundation. According to an FPT news release, to celebrate the change in name from the Section on Geriatrics to the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy, the Academy allocated $75,000 toward the section’s fund and $25,000 toward the Center of Excellence (COE) for Health Services/Health Policy Research campaign.

The FPT news release notes that this most recent donation brings the Academy’s total contribution to the COE campaign to $50,000. Bill Staples, PT, DHSc, DPT, GCS, CEEAA, president of the Academy, says, “It is an honor for the Academy to be able to fund research in geriatric physical therapy and the new initiatives for the profession through the Foundation.” Staples made the pledge announcement during the Combined Sections Meeting in Las Vegas in February.

The Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy, formed in 1978, has more than 5,000 members. The group was formed to address the needs of physical therapy practitioners working with older adults in a range of practice settings. The Academy supports the physical therapists, students, and physical therapist assistants working with an aging population in roles of education, supervision, advocacy, direct patient care, and consultation.

Foundation Board of Trustees president William G. Boissonnault, PT, DPT, DHSc, FAPTA, FAAOMPT, states, “The Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy has been a longtime supporter of the Foundation’s research initiatives and fundraising campaigns. We are very humbled and appreciative of their ongoing commitment to the Foundation.”

Source: FPT