NMC works with Legislature to declare April as Occupational Therapy Month

Omaha, Nebraska - April has been declared Occupational Therapy Month in Nebraska, thanks to the work of a faculty member at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC).

Melissa Kimmerling, NMC’s occupational therapy program director and the vice president of policy and advocacy for the Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association, requested and drafted a resolution, and found a sponsor in the Nebraska Legislature to name April Occupational Therapy Month.

“Anything we can do to help our community, including helping our legislators understand our profession and our contribution to the healthcare team, will ultimately enhance outcomes for the recipients of occupational therapy services and occupational therapy professionals,” said Kimmerling.

The American Occupational Therapy Association already names April Occupational Therapy Month to honor the profession and its impact on patients’ lives. 

Kimmerling contacted the legislature to make an Occupational Therapy Month proclamation to highlight occupational therapy’s role in the state.

  “Dr. Kimmerling’s commitment to her profession and her students at NMC is a true testament to the passion she has for occupational therapists,” said Amy Clark, vice chancellor of academic affairs. “There are so many patients whose daily living skills have been improved and impacted for the better through the expertise of occupational therapists. These are healthcare professionals that change lives and deserve to be recognized in this way.  We congratulate Dr. Kimmerling and the State of Nebraska for their support of occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants throughout our great state.”

Sen. Lynne Walz submitted the legislative resolution to proclaim April as Occupational Therapy Month in Nebraska. 

The legislative resolution reads:

Whereas, the American Occupational Therapy Association has declared the month of April 2023 to be Occupational Therapy Month; and

Whereas, the profession of occupational therapy makes valuable contributions in helping people live life to its fullest after an illness or injury; and

Whereas, occupational therapy services are available to residents of Nebraska through occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants at hospitals, home health agencies, schools, clinics, community organizations, and nursing homes; and

Whereas, the health and productivity of the residents of Nebraska depend upon the effective use of healthcare resources, including the important services of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by members of the one hundred eighth legislature of Nebraska, first session that the Legislature recognizes April 2023 as Occupational Therapy Month in Nebraska.