Physical Therapy Leaders Announce $30,000 in Donations to Feeding America and Rizing Tide

Annual donations will support charitable missions that feed families across the country and provide student scholarships to grow and expand the physical therapy workforce

Washington, D.C. – The Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation (APTQI) today announced a $30,000 donation split between two charitable organizations as part of its annual giving program. Feeding America and Rizing Tide Foundation will each receive $15,000 to support their programs that aim to address food insecurity, make communities healthier, and strengthen and grow the future physical therapy workforce.

“APTQI is deeply moved by the impacts that Feeding America and Rizing Tide are making in communities nationwide – from supporting families suffering from food insecurity to building a diverse new generation of physical therapy leaders,” said Nikesh Patel, PT, Executive Director of APTQI.  “We are proud to support these inspiring organizations through our giving program this year.”

Feeding America is the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, working to ensure that all Americans have access to the nutritious food and resources they need to thrive. Through a national network of more than 200 food banks, thousands of food pantries, and meal programs, this organization distributes surplus food to families in need. Feeding America also works to address the root causes of hunger and food insecurity nationwide.

Rizing Tide is a scholarship and career development program designed to empower the next generation of physical therapy leaders from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Their vision is to broaden the reach, impact, and accessibility of physical therapy by advancing diversity and inclusivity in the physical therapy workforce. Each year, the foundation awards Crest scholarships to incoming Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) students, as well as Surge scholarships to graduating DPT students who plan to further develop their patient care and leadership skills through residency programs.

“We appreciate APTQI’s generous donation and their continued support for the next generation of physical therapists across the country,” said Dr. Heidi Jannenga, PT, DPT, founder and CEO of Rizing Tide. “We are directly addressing the current PT shortage by removing the biggest barrier limiting many aspiring physical therapists in joining the profession—the cost of education. APTQI’s charitable gift will make a profound and lasting impact on the trajectory of our Doctor of Physical Therapy student-scholars as they look to positively impact the industry and their communities.”

Since launching its annual giving program in 2018, APTQI has proudly supported various community organizations, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Foundation, Project HOPE, Rise Against Hunger, and United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades in Southwest Florida. APTQI looks forward to continuing this initiative in the years to come.

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