Category: POTAC

To our Asian and Asian-American OT colleagues, clients, and other members of our community: at this time of grief and anger and stress, know that POTAC stands with you. Please draw on these resources for support. And let use know how POTAC can support. Hate and violence impact our mental health and our occupational engagement, and this is part of our role as OT to eliminate barriers to occupation and fight for justice for all. https://www.potac.org/resources

The attack on the United States Capitol has no place in our country or in mental health occupational therapy. The events that took place caused physical and mental/emotional harm both to those who were present and those watching. POTAC upholds the values for trauma informed care, and acknowledges that attacks on our democracy and acts of white supremacy can traumatize or re-traumatize others, especially our BIPOC community. The AOTA Code of Ethics (2020) states that occupational therapy practitioners shall “not engage in actions that are uncivil, intimidating, or bullying or that contribute to violence (p. 26).”

The Psychiatric Occupational Therapy Action Coalition (POTAC) recognizes that oppression of rights, representation and systemic discrimination exist, and that change begins with each of us. Anti-racism, anti-oppression starts with an awareness of thoughts, language, and actions. These actions include actions that are uncivil. Such awareness should lead to the necessary, but difficult discussions and actions in order to positively change the mental health community and the profession of occupational therapy.

POTAC remains committed to be actively involved working to end racism and to provide social and occupational justice for all marginalized groups. Attacking democracy attacks our occupations as citizens and negatively impacts our rights to engage freely in our occupations without fear or threats of violence.

Please see OTAC’s Statement on January 6, 2021 Rioting at the
United States Capitol

OTTP-SF is facing a $170,000 budget cut due to COVID-19, at the same time they are providing additional essential needs like food, hygiene essentials, and PPE to clients. Would you consider donating and sharing their GoFund Me with your network? https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/ottp-sf-emergency-healing-fundraiser

Please support compassionate responses to mental health distress. A collection of peer activists, professionals and POTAC have created this initiative, please sign on as an individual and/or organization to show your support! www.compassionnotcops.com

OTAC/POTAC Collaboration

Re-Designed ‘Shelter-In-Place’ LIVE Zoom Webinar

DATE, TIME, LOCATION
Saturday, April 25, 2020
9:00am – 12:00pm
Webinar – Access Information Provided Once Registered
Space is limited

Register online: https://www.otaconline.org/education/ot-mental-health-symposium

Please note that parts of this webinar will be recorded and available for purchase within 7 business days of the recording.

COST
$39 for OTAC/POTAC Members
$59 for non-OTAC Members
$19 for Student

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AGENDA

• 9:00am – 9:05am â€“ Welcome and Introduction
• 9:05am – 10:05am â€“ Lived Experience – Amanda Lipp, Filmmaker | Social Entrepreneur | Speaker
• 10:05am – 10:10am â€“ Break
• 10:10am – 10:50am â€“ Exploring Voice-Hearers’ Experience of Romantic and Sexual Relationships – Emilio Villavicencio, OTS, and Kristen Gottheil, OTS
• 10:50am – 11:00am â€“ Break
• 11:00am – 11:55am â€“ Introduction to Culturally Responsive Care – Beth Ching, OTD, M.Ed, OTR/L
• 11:55am – 12:00pm – Closing

Contact: Karen McCarthy, karen.mccarthy@dominican.edu