PT in the Community

PT in the Community, a foundation of APTA Orthopedics, led a week of service during CSM 2026 in Anaheim. In collaboration with local leaders and organizations, we provided meals, health screenings, educational programs, adaptive sports experiences, and student engagement activities throughout Orange County.

A heartfelt thank you to all volunteers, sponsors, and donors whose generosity and efforts made CSM 2026 a success. Your support directly impacted the Orange County community and helped bring the physical therapy profession into local neighborhoods.

Donate now to support PT in the Community and expand opportunities to give back to communities in need at APTA CSM 2027 in Philadelphia.

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PT in the Community 2026 Recap

Mercy House

Providing dignified housing and comprehensive supportive services

We supported Mercy House by providing meals, organizing donations, preparing PB&J lunch bags, and assembling hygiene kits for those experiencing housing insecurity.

Anaheim Older Adult Programs

City of Anaheim services supporting adults age 55+

We partnered with Anaheim Older Adult Programs to provide health and falls screenings for older adults in the community.

National Harm Reduction Coalition

In partnership with the National Harm Reduction Coalition

We offered Narcan administration training at CSM, giving participants practical knowledge on overdose response and harm reduction strategies.

Wise Place

Ending homelessness for unaccompanied individuals through housing and wraparound services

We provided health and fitness screenings and delivered an educational presentation on relieving chronic aches and pains through exercise.

Anaheim/Santa Ana Community Coalition

Food access support for socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods

We supported community food distribution efforts in partnership with the Anaheim/Santa Ana Community Coalition.

Bright Artists

Providing high-quality art education to students without access to studio art programming

We provided resources to help Bright Artists continue their engagement with underserved students.

Angel City Sports

Providing access to adaptive sports for individuals with physical disabilities

We sponsored Angel City Sports in support of the Los Angeles Adaptive Sports Fair and highlighted adaptive sport events in collaboration with the Adaptive Sports SIG during CSM.

Sycamore Junior High

Serving 7th and 8th grade students in the Anaheim Union High School District

We hosted a Physical Therapy Assembly Event to educate students about the physical therapy profession and engage them with PT-related equipment.

Volunteer Perks & Raffle Prizes

All volunteers received a 2026 PT in the Community T-shirt and was entered into a Volunteer Raffle to win sponsored prizes, including:

Vestibular Model or Vestibular Course (valued at $125)
NPTE Final Frontier Course (valued at $200)
APTA Orthopedics ISC
Hypervolt Go 2 Massage Gun (valued at $120)
CanDo Latex-Free Exercise Band Singles (30-count variety pack)
Gift Card (up to $50)

About PT in the Community

Be part of something bigger with PT in the Community! Patrick Berner, founding Executive Director of PT in the Community, shares how PTs, PTAs, and students can volunteer to support underserved communities. From falls prevention screenings to fitness events for kids with disabilities, there are countless ways to give back.