Thank you SO MUCH, @lauren4, for sharing your initial takeaways! I’m eager to see what concrete strategies you are thinking about.
I’ve been trying to imagine what it would like like for OT to be more active in building healthy communities and dismantling our current unjust systems that lead to health inequities.
Below are some initial ideas that have been swirling around in my mind, and I will be curious to hear what other people have been imagining for the future of our profession and to grow and change as individuals…
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Providing OT services as part of first responder services, as our skillset would add tools currently available to law enforcement and paramedics, hopefully reducing emergency room visits
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Continue to expand our role in prevention, early intervention and primary care, as these are such cost-effective investments for the community and promote long term health
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Work more closely with colleagues from various disciplines such as social workers and public health officials to coordinate services when needed
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Mobilize as a profession at the state and national level not just for legislation directly related to OT, but also on policy changes that would promote health equity
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Improve our listening skills, and recognize when we are becoming defensive to views that are different from our own
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Take steps to promote more diverse perspectives our classrooms and workplaces.
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For OT Potential, I keep re-reading this article on diversifying online businesses, and thinking about how we can bring some new and different voices into leadership.
(Side note: @lauren4, I didn’t know you were working in MH now! I would love to catch up on the phone sometime!!)