Rep. Stivers Speaks at WillowWood
October 17, 2017
Contact: Lisa Watkins
740.869.3377 ext. 106
U.S. Congressman Speaks at WillowWood
U.S. Congressman Steve Stivers received a first-hand look at new prosthetic technology Monday during a visit to Ohio-based WillowWood, a fourth-generation, family-owned prosthetic manufacturing company.
With the healthcare policy of recent years and the current efforts for reform, industry trade associations such as the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) have been keeping a close eye on how orthotics and prosthetics would be impacted. WillowWood attended AOPA’s Policy Forum this spring in Washington D.C. along with other prosthetic manufacturers, clinicians, and patient care facility owners. Congressman Stivers was invited to visit WillowWood by the company’s co-owner and Director of Government Affairs, Lisa Arbogast, following the late May industry advocacy event. This was the congressman’s third visit to WillowWood in the past four years.
As part of his visit to WillowWood Congressman Stivers hosted a question and answer session for the company’s employees and invited industry associates. Welcoming all topics, Congressman Stivers discussed and fielded questions ranging from tax reform, investments to the nation’s infrastructure, healthcare reform efforts, polarization within Congress, and his evaluation of Ohio ballot Issue 2.
When asked about assistance for Puerto Rico and its recovery from recent hurricane devastation, Stivers said there was still much work to be done and noted the passage of a supplemental aid bill earlier this week. “Puerto Rico is an American territory and the residents are American. We need to get them the same help as we did for residents in Florida and Texas,” stated Congressman Stivers.
Company president and co-owner Ryan Arbogast, along with his sister Lisa Arbogast, provided Congressman Stivers a look at new prosthetic liner technology designed for upper extremity amputees. WillowWood, in partnership with Coapt, LLC of Chicago, is developing a prosthetic liner with embedded electrodes that will give upper extremity amputees greater comfort, consistency and intuitive control of their myoelectric prosthetic devices.
“It was a great pleasure to host Congressman Stivers at WillowWood, as his time spent with our employees was invaluable,” said Lisa Arbogast. “Congressman Stivers remains a great supporter of the orthotic and prosthetic industry. We look forward to working together in order to continuously initiate positive change that will improve overall quality care, assist small businesses, and address specific areas within the Medicare program.”