Fort Mohave,
AZ
As an occupational therapist with over 32 years of clinical and advocacy experience, and the State Co-Captain for Nevada, I want to share my knowledge with those that are affected by COPD, but also to connect with healthcare professionals to collaborate on effective solutions to address access to healthcare resources and due to this need, I intend to support the voices of those with COPD for legislation. As an advocate, I want to prepare others to find their voice rather than depend on healthcare professionals to be the only voice.
As a COPD advocate, I have emailed, written, called and have met with my elected officials- I am currently the legislative chairperson for the state occupational therapy association. I have also co-developed outpatient OT/PT programming reimbursed by Medicare, have participated in health fairs or community events to promote COPD awareness, and I have written about COPD in a newspaper, magazine, or other publication.
As a State Captain, I am interested in connecting others in the COPD community to the resources available so they can live healthier, fuller lives, as well as raising awareness by participating in health fairs and community events. I would also like working with state, local, and national officials to improve COPD policy and recruit new State Captains and volunteers.
My proudest COPD moment has been engaging in the dissemination of information to healthcare professionals that need to be prepared to work with the most acute levels through co-authoring a chapter entitled, "The Pulmonary System" in Occupational Therapy in Acute Care, 2nd Ed., editors, Helene Smith-Gabai & Suzanne E. Holm, 2017.
My inspiration to share is, “"Breathe and the world breathes with you." (author unknown)
A fact about me, “Simply that I am an advocate, but throughout my 32+ clinical career, I have focused upon the meaningful activities in daily life and addressed this in my treatment interactions with clients diagnosed with all stages of COPD, for it is through meaningful activity that life continues to have meaning”