We Made It To April!

We made it to April! Finally, the days are longer, the sun peeks out more often, and the great outdoors is calling our name. Whether you’re pulling out your lawn mower or lacing up your cleats, there’s something about this season that lifts our spirits. But April isn’t just about enjoying the sunshine, it’s also a time to celebrate two things especially close to my heart: National Occupational Therapy Month and National Autism Acceptance Month.

Now, if you’ve known me for any length of time, you probably already know that my healthcare journey began many years ago in our rehabilitation department (and no, we will not be discussing the exact number of years-it’s impolite to ask). Back then, new patients would often arrive at HCCH and be surprised that we even had a therapy department. Fast forward to today, and I couldn’t be prouder to say that our therapy department has grown into one of the most beloved and recognized services in our community. That didn’t happen by accident- it happened because of dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to helping people regain and redefine their independence.

Occupational Therapy (OT) got its start during World War I as a response to the mental health struggles soldiers faced when returning home. Picture this: soldiers coming back from the trauma of war, struggling to make sense of the daily routines we often take for granted. Enter the Reconstruction Aides- early pioneers who used meaningful activities to help these veterans reconnect with life, purpose, and function.

This idea that people heal through purposeful, meaningful activity became the cornerstone of what we now know as Occupational Therapy. And it’s not just about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most. OT is all about bridging the gap between ability and activity-whether that means building strength to return to gardening or adapting the garden to the gardener with raised beds and ergonomic tools. It’s brilliant, really.

Here at HCCH, we’re also incredibly proud of our P.A.W.S team, led by the amazing Kelly Clark, FNP-C. This multidisciplinary powerhouse includes Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy, all working together to provide autism testing and support. Thanks to growing awareness, streamlined criteria, and better screening tools, autism diagnoses have increased by 175%-and early diagnosis is key. It opens the door to services that help children thrive, not just survive.

Want to see Occupational Therapy in action? Look no further than our team’s work with kids. Maybe it’s building hand strength through play so a child can master scissors or handwriting without fatigue. Or maybe it’s adapting to the environment-like providing noise-canceling handphones for the overstimulating cafeteria (because honestly, who among us hasn’t tried to avoid a busy store at 5 p.m. on a Friday?). OT helps create pathways for kids to regulate, engage, and succeed-whether that’s through flexible seating, heavy work, or sensory-friendly strategies. It’s science, strategy, and a whole lot of heart.

What makes me beam with pride every single day is knowing that these services, this level of care and commitment-aren’t just offered to our town. They are available to our surrounding communities, too. They’re provided by people you know. Your neighbors. Your family. Your friends. And that’s what makes it all so special.

Here’s to April. To growth. To sunshine, and to the incredible teams that help our community bloom.