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Reflecting Lobby Day 2025
Reflecting on Lobby Day 2025
The 2025 Lobby Day at the General Assembly building in Richmond, Virginia, was nothing short of inspiring. Physical therapy advocates from across the state came together, united by a shared mission: to champion the profession and the patients we serve. As the day unfolded, it was clear that this was more than just a series of meetings—it was a demonstration of the power of collective advocacy.
A Strong Start
The day began bright and early in the House Subcommittee Room on the 9th floor, where attendees gathered with a sense of purpose and camaraderie. The buzz of conversations filled the room as advocates shared their personal stories and prepared to meet with legislators. From seasoned professionals to first-time participants, everyone brought their unique perspectives to the table, creating a rich tapestry of voices ready to speak on behalf of physical therapy.
Taking the Message to the Halls
After the morning session, we broke into smaller groups to meet with legislators in their offices. Each meeting was an opportunity to share stories that illustrated the real-world impact of physical therapy on patients' lives. Whether discussing policy changes, funding needs, or broader health care priorities, the conversations were rooted in our commitment to ensuring access to high-quality care for all Virginians.
One of the highlights of the day was witnessing the teamwork and collaboration among advocates. Those who had made appointments worked seamlessly with others to coordinate schedules and ensure that our message was heard consistently throughout the building. This spirit of cooperation was a testament to the strength of our community.
Special thanks to Geoff Gunther and Ken Hutchenson for their exceptional coordination of the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly and successfully.
Recap at VCU
The day concluded at Sanger Hall on VCU's medical campus, where we gathered to reflect on the day's events - Many thanks to Katie Shaab for coordinating, and President Hawkins for leading the session. The recap session provided a chance to celebrate our successes, share lessons learned, and discuss next steps. It was heartening to hear stories of impactful meetings, moments of connection, and the positive responses from legislators.
As we looked back on the day, one thing was clear: advocacy is not a one-time event. It's an ongoing commitment to making our voices heard and working together to create meaningful change. Lobby Day was a reminder that when we come together as a community, we have the power to make a difference.
Looking Ahead
While the meetings may be over, the work continues. Legislators now have a clearer understanding of the issues facing our profession and the patients we serve, but it's up to us to maintain those connections and keep the momentum going. Advocacy doesn't end with Lobby Day—it's a year-round effort that requires persistence, passion, and partnership.
To everyone who participated, thank you for your time, energy, and dedication. Your voices are vital to the future of physical therapy, and your efforts yesterday were a shining example of what we can achieve together. Let's carry the spirit of Lobby Day forward as we continue to advocate for our profession and our patients.
