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Newsletters

President’s Message: Improving our Profession!

Sara Ade, CTRS

Dear MTRA members,

The year of 2007 has so far been one of great strive and continued work in the Michigan Therapeutic Recreation Association Chapter. This is the first year that MTRA has been able to have a full representation of board member positions. Throughout my time so far as President, I have heard many statements made by our peers that they would like to become more involved. As a professional, and as a board member, these are welcomed words. Our profession is at a turning point on so many levels- both professionally as well as within the state and nation.

Recently, myself and other board members went to the ATRA conference in Milwaukee Wisconsin. At the conference, we were given the exciting news that Medicare Project is finally being assigned a bill number and will start circulating within the House of Representatives shortly. For those who are unfamiliar with the Medicare Project, please visit ATRA’s website to find more information. In the short-form, it is a project to clarify terminology within CMS in the reimbursement of Recreation Therapy within Skilled Nursing, In-Patient Rehabilitation and In-patient Psychiatric settings. Even if these are areas in which you are not working, the significance of this bill passing only increases the level to which Therapeutic Recreation professionals are respected and given appropriate support, most importantly now- on the insurance level! More re-imbursement, simply can mean more jobs!

The Michigan Chapter was also represented at the ATRA conference meeting for Chapter Affiliates Council of ATRA. During the meeting, I was pleased to announce that Michigan has approx 150 professional and student members. This is a number which is higher than even some states have of CTRS’s! Michigan has a large population of CTRS’s and so the question falls back on us as professionals, “What can I do for my profession?”

For those who are interested in becoming more involved, there are many areas that we can invest in, even without the sacrifice of large commitments of time. Working within our profession and giving back can happen in so many ways. Locally in Michigan, MTRA is striving to support both our professional members as well as students. MTRA continues to improve and provide workshops, conferences and professional support systems for our members to gain more knowledge as well as network. We continue to need this support and enthusiasm year round! There are many opportunities to become members of MTRA and invest in the professional organization both at the state and national level. Board member positions open up in MTRA every year and have a range of positions to best compliment those who are involved. Monetary support is needed for the networks that are working for us all. For example, the money has supported the Medicare Project and membership to ATRA when utilizing the treatment networks as a resource. Currently, the Medicare project is trying to raise $60,000 in 60 days to financially provide for the legal council and work required for this last push of the Medicare bill. Lastly, not only do we as a Chapter like to have you as a member, but also would like to encourage you to become a member of ATRA! In the financial hardships that we are all facing, it is a sacrifice and an additional cost to become a member. However, we as a profession complain we are not taken seriously and argue how we provide quality and professional services. This is our time to step up and be part of a national professional organization that supports us professionally. Ways that ATRA assists in supporting the RT professional includes such vital components such as reimbursement and coverage as well as advancing our profession through national campaigns within the Senate and House or Representatives. These areas assist in securing our profession for the future. Michigan is a great state to represent the realm of Therapeutic Recreation professionals and we can make an impact!

to support both our professional members as well as students. MTRA continues to improve and provide workshops, conferences and professional support systems for our members to gain more knowledge as well as network. We continue to need this support and enthusiasm year round! There are many opportunities to become members of MTRA and invest in the professional organization both at the state and national level. Board member positions open up in MTRA every year and have a range of positions to best compliment those who are involved. Monetary support is needed for the networks that are working for us all. For example, the money has supported the Medicare Project and membership to ATRA when utilizing the treatment networks as a resource. Currently, the Medicare project is trying to raise $60,000 in 60 days to financially provide for the legal council and work required for this last push of the Medicare bill. Lastly, not only do we as a Chapter like to have you as a member, but also would like to encourage you to become a member of ATRA! In the financial hardships that we are all facing, it is a sacrifice and an additional cost to become a member. However, we as a profession complain we are not taken seriously and argue how we provide quality and professional services. This is our time to step up and be part of a national professional organization that supports us professionally. Ways that ATRA assists in supporting the RT professional includes such vital components such as reimbursement and coverage as well as advancing our profession through national campaigns within the Senate and House or Representatives. These areas assist in securing our profession for the future. Michigan is a great state to represent the realm of Therapeutic Recreation professionals and we can make an impact!