A Message from the President

In this month's video, APTA Georgia President Dr. Ben Braxley details recent activity within and beyond our state. Notably we have an APTA Georgia member running for national office: Dr. Jake Irwin PT, DPT, OCS of Georgia State University and Pro Performance Physical Therapy is on the slate for the Nominating Committee. Additionally, please consider checking out the State Payer Advocacy Resource Consortium via sparc.apta.org/. And, as always, if you have questions or concerns, reach out to president@aptageorgia.org, or direct general inquiries to info@aptageorgia.org. 

Chief Delegate Report

This fall, the Georgia delegation is preparing for the House of Delegates elections, which are scheduled for October 24 to November 2, 2026. Candidate materials will be published for our review on September 25th. We are proud to announce that Georgia delegate Jake Irwin is on the ballot for the Nominating Committee, and we wish him well in the election.

In addition to candidate reviews, the Georgia delegates are also exploring ideas for motions for the 2027 House of Delegates. If you have ideas or questions related to motion creation, please reach out to me or any of the GA delegates.

Two important items will be released by the House on September 11. The official minutes from the 2026 House of Delegates meeting will be made available, along with the results of the apportionment process, which determines the number of voting House delegates from each chapter or section/academy.

The Georgia delegation is committed to representing APTA GA members and welcomes feedback from all constituents. We have a great group of delegates who are dedicated to the task and generously give of their time to support the work of the House.

Looking forward,

Teresa Long Pierce, PT, DPT, PhD

Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS)

Chief Delegate, APTA GA

tpiercept@gmail.com

Health Policy, Advocacy & Practice Impact

Legislative Off-Season: A Critical Time for Advocacy



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We have entered the legislative “off-season,” an important period in the policy cycle for strengthening relationships and advancing the priorities of the physical therapy profession in Georgia. During this time, state legislators return to their districts and have greater availability to engage with constituents.

This presents a valuable opportunity for physical therapists and stakeholders to connect with their elected officials, share professional insights, and build relationships that will be critical during the legislative session. Establishing these connections now helps ensure that policymakers recognize you as a trusted resource when issues impacting the profession arise.

In addition to relationship-building, the off-season is also a key time to support policymakers who understand and advocate for the interests of physical therapy. The Georgia Physical Therapy Political Action Committee (GPT-PAC) plays a vital role in this effort by supporting candidates and officeholders who are committed to protecting and advancing the profession in Georgia.

Support Advocacy Efforts

Your colleagues are actively working to prepare for the next legislative session, engaging in outreach and advocacy on behalf of the profession. Financial support through GPT-PAC helps sustain these efforts and strengthens our collective voice.

We encourage you to consider contributing to GPT-PAC. Contributions of all sizes are meaningful and impactful.

Ways to Contribute

• Sustain Your Support: Consider a recurring contribution (e.g., $5 per month)
• Give a Shift: Donate the equivalent of one day’s pay to support advocacy initiatives

Whether you are early in your career or a seasoned leader, your participation helps position Georgia as a leading state for the practice of physical therapy.

Take Action Today

Your engagement—both in building relationships with legislators and supporting advocacy efforts—helps shape the future of physical therapy practice in Georgia.

Please use the contribution link or QR code below to participate.

Together, we can ensure a strong and sustainable future for the profession!

Your Opportunity to Invest in PT Education and Research

Please consider a donation to the Georgia Foundation for Physical Therapy which supports PT and PTA students by offering scholarships to help with their education and research grants supporting clinical physical therapy research in Georgia. We would appreciate your consideration. 

You may donate online at https://gfptonline.org/donate

Thank you for your generous support!

2026 Sponsorship Opportunities

APTA Georgia has launched a new, easy way for your company to participate in the 2026 Sponsorship Program. Participation in the Sponsorship Program earns marketing and advertisement for the following events and/or platforms:

• Sports & Ortho Symposium - Fall 2026
• Neuro Symposium - 3rd Monday of each month
• Neuro Symposium - TBD

Your sponsorship support guarantees printed and digital marketing at these events and for all of APTA Georgia programming. For additional information, see the link below:

Applications Are Open for the 2027 Scholarship Program!

The Georgia Foundation for Physical Therapy is now accepting applications for its 2027 Scholarship Program.

Scholarships are available to students enrolled in fully accredited PT and PTA programs in Georgia who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to the future of physical therapy.

Apply online today!

Application Deadline: November 1, 2026

Award Notifications will be made in early December

Connecting with Our Community

APTA Georgia Website

Have you visited our website recently?

The APTA Georgia website includes important updates, relevant information and upcoming events all at your fingertips!

Make sure to check out:

• Career Center - Job postings and network opportunities
• FAQ
• Education - Including an up to date list of approved CCH courses
• Forums
• Events - Register here, too!
• Advertising Opportunities

The front page of the website contains need-to-know information such as important information regarding licensure renewal. Become more engaged with APTA Georgia and bookmark our site today!

Submit Your APTA GA Updates for Social Media!

Do you have an upcoming event or new information related to or regarding APTA Georgia? We would love share it on our Instagram or Facebook page! Just fill out our new Google form with all the information for the post at least a week in advance (or more if possible), and we will get it scheduled to post!

September Journal Clubs

APTA GA Sports / Ortho FIN

September 2026

National Updates and News

National Physical Therapy

Month is Approaching!

October is National Physical Therapy Month! This year, APTA’s “PT For Future Me” campaign highlights physical therapy as an investment in lifelong health, movement, and well-being—not just a resource after injury or surgery.

APTA Georgia members can help spread the word by sharing campaign resources, engaging on social media, and using ChoosePT materials in their clinics and communities. Learn more about National Physical Therapy Month and how you can get involved by reading the full APTA article linked below.

Have news that would interest or benefit the APTA Georgia community?

Please send any news or upcoming member/community events to share with your fellow APTA Georgia members at Secretary@aptageorgia.org.

Ashley McCall, PT, PhD

APTA Georgia Secretary