by Gerard M. Kelly
During the first week in September, United Spinal staff traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, for the annual conferences of the American Paraplegia Society, the American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Psychologists and Social Workers, and the American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses, which our organization has been sponsoring for over 20 years. The conferences bring together health professionals who dedicate most of their working time to the care and treatment of persons with spinal cord disability. We have said it before, but it is worth repeating that this is the largest forum for these professionals to come together and share their experience and knowledge of spinal cord medicine.
The combined number of attendees this year was nearly 1,400, 50% of whom were nurses, 25% physicians, and 25% psychologists and social workers. Not only was the conference well attended, but many of the attendees commented that this year’s program was the best ever.
In addition to the scheduled sessions, United Spinal staff in attendance had the opportunity to meet with key members of the three associations to discuss ways in which we can work together on program initiatives during the coming year. This network of clinicians representing rehab facilities across the United States and Canada is a valuable resource that can help us shape and improve services to our members.
The conference this year came on the heels of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, which couldn’t help but affect everyone present. I’m happy to say that some of the conference participants expressed a desire to volunteer their services to the relief effort, and that we were able to put them in contact with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Washington, DC, for appropriate follow-up.
As a national organization, it was incumbent upon us to reach out to our members, as well as to disabled communities in areas affected by the storm and floods. Some of our efforts to date include a monetary donation to the Bayou Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America; donation of wheelchairs and other equipment through local agencies in the area; donation of a lift-equipped bus for recovery efforts and beyond; and outreach to local independent living centers.
We will continue to be mindful of our members and others in the affected areas and to examine ways in which we can assist them. And to anyone who might be reading this and might be in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to call us at our toll-free number 800-404-2898. If we cannot assist you directly, we may be able to refer you to someone who can.
Last, but not least, September 6, 2005 marked the third anniversary of the death of our late Executive Director James J. Peters. We were very pleased that on September 26, at a ceremony attended by dignitaries from the Department of Veterans Affairs, local politicians and good friends of the organization, the Bronx VA Medical Center was officially named the James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Jim dedicated his entire working career to improving the lives of veterans and others who like himself live with a spinal cord disability. He believed strongly in advocating for the rights of veterans with disabilities, as well as the need for continuing education for health professionals working in the field of spinal cord medicine. His leadership and the legacy he left behind are great sources of inspiration to those of us who try to follow in his footsteps. God bless Jim, and may his spirit continue to guide us.
Gerard M. Kelly is executive director of United Spinal Association.
