American Massage Therapy Association^®

AMTA Begins Sending Hurricane Katrina Rebuilding Kits
Members to Receive Help Re-establishing Practices

Evanston, IL (November 4, 2005) – In keeping with its decision to help AMTA members affected by Hurricane Katrina, AMTA began today sending Practitioner Member Rebuilding Kits to 224 members in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.  The association has worked with massage therapy product manufacturers to gather items for the Kits and has had support from a variety of businesses who have given money and/or services to ensure that the Kits are delivered.

“As of today, we are still trying to find 58 members from the area to see if they need our help,” said AMTA President Mary Beth Braun.  “We know that some of our members have moved to temporary locations and we want to make sure we help them if they need it.”

The Practitioner Member Rebuilding Kits include either a massage table or massage chair (the member’s choice), a set of linens, a supply of face cradle covers, one gallon of massage creme, a book on massage techniques and a brochure of tips on how they can re-establish their practices.  All AMTA members who were practicing in the affected zip codes at the time of the storm will be provided a Kit upon their request.

Members have been offered a Rebuilding Kit, AMTA dues relief or both.  So far, 287 members in the affected states have asked to participate in AMTA’s program to waive dues and Chapter fees for one year.

AMTA has received a steady stream of communications from members in the region about how they are dealing with such great changes in their lives and expressing their appreciation for how AMTA is helping them.  “Everyday I get up and look outside and see the progress.  That keeps me going and full of hope that there will be a new chapter in my career,” said Lester Trauth of Biloxi Mississippi.

“I have no idea as to when I will be able to get a studio of my own again,” said Paul Clifton of Covington, Louisiana. “I think it is so very kind and generous of the AMTA to do what it is doing for its members. I want to thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all you are doing.”

"The reason for belonging to AMTA, for me, has always been how you all back us up - with education and standards - so when you gave us the kits, I said ‘that's my organization - Thank God,’” said Ellen LaRocca of New Orleans.  

With more than 54,000 members, the American Massage Therapy Association works to advance the massage therapy profession through ethics and standards, public education, and through promotion of fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all 50 states.  

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Quotes- Click here for comments from members in the hurricane-affected areas who have received AMTA Practitioner Rebuilding Kits and/or dues relief, and other thoughts expressed about the response of AMTA members.

Photos - Click here for photos of the AMTA and Compuletter employees who put together the Practitioner Member Rebuilding Kits.

Participants - Click here for a list of companies who have given to the Practitioner Member Rebuilding Kit program.

Updates - Click here for the latest AMTA Hurricane Katrina updates.

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