APTA-West Virginia to present Distinguished Service Award to Senator Tarr
CHARLESTON, W.Va., August 30, 2024 — The West Virginia Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA-West Virginia) will present state Senator Eric Tarr of Putnam County with the Nancy Tonkin Distinguished Service Award on Saturday, Sept. 7, during the ATPA-West Virginia’s 2024 conference at The Embassy Suites in Charleston.
Senator Tarr, a physical therapist who owns and operates a PT practice and other businesses, chairs the West Virginia Senate Finance Committee. APTA-West Virginia will present the award during the Saturday luncheon, which is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m.
The association presents the award to a member for his or her contributions to APTA-West Virginia. The late Nancy Tonkin was executive director of the association.
“APTA-West Virginia respects and salutes Senator Tarr’s leadership,” said ATPA-West Virginia President Scott Davis, PT, MS, EdD, OCS. “This award acknowledges and honors an outstanding APTA West Virginia member whose contributions to the profession of physical therapy are of exceptional and enduring value and represent the dedication and service provided by Nancy Tonkin.
“Senator Tarr fully understands the health care landscape in West Virginia and is a highly respected public-policy leader in our state.
“Our association is eager to recognize Senator Tarr with the Nancy Tonkin Distinguished Service Award for his longstanding commitment to the practice of physical therapy.”
Recipients must be members of the West Virginia chapter for more than 10 years and not presently serving on the executive committee.
About APTA West Virginia
APTA WV, part of the American Physical Therapy Association, has made significant progress in recent years, implementing policy changes, such as direct patient access, repeal of the Medicaid provider tax, and medical liability reform. Additionally, it has aided the growth and licensure of physical therapy programs in West Virginia. APTA WV focuses on recruiting members, advocating for health policy changes, and providing educational opportunities. New directions include developing a regional structure, creating a statewide legislative alert system, expanding educational opportunities through an annual conference, and implementing recruitment and leadership strategies.