O&P Grant Application Period Now Open

WATERLOO, Iowa—The Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA) and Össur have announced the application period is now open for two grants available for U.S.-based O&P professionals.

Now in its third year, the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant is designed to pay tribute to Russell (Rusty) Walker, a practitioner who was passionate about mentoring the next generation of O&P leaders.

In addition, OPGA and Össur Americas are co-sponsoring and co-supporting the second annual Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant. Todd Eagen, former president of OPGA, passed unexpectedly on June 4, 2022, and was an important leader in the O&P profession.

Both annual grants are designed to provide funding to a current O&P resident and certified orthotist or prosthetist (or both), respectively, that will allow them to attend and participate in two non-clinical events that are highly important to the O&P profession and the patients it serves. These events include the AOPA Policy Forum and the Challenged Athletes Foundation Triathlon Challenge.

“Both Rusty Walker and Todd Eagen will always be remembered for their commitment to helping others and making the O&P profession the best it can be,” said Adam Miller, president, OPGA. “That is why Össur and OPGA are privileged to honor both of these amazing men by providing these grants.”

In 2023, Kaleigh Neely was selected as the 2023 recipient of the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant, and Abbey Senczyszyn, CPO was selected as the 2023 recipient of the Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant.

“Össur is honored to continue our partnership with OPGA and supporting the next generation of O&P leaders,” said Matt Ballantine, VP, Lower Limb Prosthetics Americas, Össur. “Through these awards, we honor the legacies of Rusty Walker and Todd Eagen and their incredible contributions to the O&P community and their patients. We look forward to supporting the grant recipients as they continue their work in elevating the O&P profession.”

The application period closes Feb. 9, 2024. A selection committee consisting of five O&P professionals will review all applications, and the recipients will be announced during the AAOP Annual Meeting, March 6–9, 2024.

To apply for the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant, click here.

To apply for the Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant, click here.