APTA Flash Action Strategy 2025: 8,500 Falls Prevention Letters Sent to Congress

Thousands of PT and PTA students participated in APTA's Flash Action Strategy, Sept. 17-18, by creating social media posts and videos promoting falls prevention awareness and the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly, or SAFE, Act (H.R. 1171/S. 2612). APTA student member advocacy led to over 8,500 letters sent to Congress, which stressed the role of physical therapy in falls prevention and the importance of the SAFE Act.

12-Year Impact of Student Advocacy: 100,000 Letters Sent to Congress

APTA Flash Action Strategy is an annual event led by APTA student members that rallies the physical therapy community around important issues affecting the profession and the people we serve. Since the event began in 2013, students have sent more than 100,000 letters to Congress on a wide range of issues.

The event not only helps the next generation of clinicians understand the importance of advocacy but also empowers them to take action and get a firsthand look at the impact they can have.

Emma Springer, SPT, saw the opportunity as a valuable learning experience. "Participating in this year's APTA Flash Action Strategy was an empowering experience! APTA equipped me with the tools and resources to become more educated on the legislative process and falls prevention advocacy, which in turn allowed me to build my confidence to share what I learned with my peers."

Students were also pleased to discover how seamless the process of getting involved and promoting falls prevention awareness was.

"As a second-year DPT student, this year's APTA Flash Action Strategy empowered me to recognize that advocacy does not require monumental efforts to make a meaningful impact," said Ashley Pietz, SPT, of the University of Central Florida. "In just two minutes, I was able to post on social media, tag my local legislators, and send a letter that could contribute to much-needed changes in health care for my future patients."

Laura Keivel, APTA senior specialist, PAC and grassroots, underscored the success of the event. "With 8,500 letters sent to Congress this year - well over our goal of 5,000 - and 100,000 sent since 2013, PT and PTA students continue to have a significant impact on shaping the future of the profession, and APTA is proud to help empower their efforts."

More Opportunities for Physical Therapy Students to Advance the Profession

Student involvement in advocacy is critical to the future of the physical therapy profession. Activities like APTA's Flash Action Strategy aim to show students that making an impact doesn't have to take a monumental effort. Other upcoming APTA student advocacy events include the APTA Student Advocacy Challenge and APTA National Advocacy Dinners.

If you're interested in these or other advocacy opportunities, please visit APTA's Student Involvement resource page to learn more.