6-23-08
AOTA President Sends Support to Midwest
Several weeks of severe rain and tornadoes in late May and June resulted
in widespread flooding in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. The floodwaters have displaced thousands of people in these states and resulted in damage and destruction to homes, businesses, universities, and farms. At the same time, power outages and the disruption of sanitation and waste water treatment systems have resulted in new public health concerns, while damaged roads and bridges challenge relief efforts.
AOTA President Penny Moyers Cleveland, EdD, OTR/L, BCMH, FAOTA, who spent her childhood in Iowa, deeply felt the heartbreak and sent a letter to members in the Midwest offering AOTA’s support. With the threat of rising water levels along the Mississippi River and into Missouri, her message of support was extended to all those affected by the devastating natural disaster.
Responses to President Moyers Cleveland’s letter have expressed appreciation for her compassion and AOTA’s willingness to draw on the resources of its members to provide practical help when possible.
One member wrote that her caseload of chronic pain patients has skyrocketed and that she could use help from experts in stress management. Others wrote that they had not been severely affected themselves but wanted to help their neighbors. Still others expressed their deep gratitude for being a member of such a caring profession and their pride in being a member of AOTA.
We hope you will consider how you may be able to help. AOTA has set up the Midwest Floods listserv as a public forum for communication and discussion with your colleagues.