National Horticultural Therapy Week (NHTW) , held from March 16- 22, 2008 is about promoting the practice and profession of horticulture as therapy. AHTA, its chapters, members, and any and everyone who want to host an horticultural therapy event or site visit can participate. Consider getting involved in your community - host an event that can promote horticultural therapy and therapeutic gardens on a local level as well as bring attention to horticultural therapy across the nation.

If you've hosted an event before, you know it is a rewarding experience. It is an opportunity to educate the general public on horticultural therapy, to provide information to other health care professions, to supply ideas for therapeutic interventions to those who are involved, and to promote the benefits, principles, and practices of horticultural therapy. If you are near an AHTA chapter, check with them to find out what's happening in your area.  We'll list local events and provide links here, as they become available.

Please e-mail information about your event to lanadreyfuss@yahoo.com or call 240-515-5122. We will include a listing of these events in the AHTA News so that you can see what your colleagues are doing to promote HT. If you are hosting an event please remember to let us know about it.

When you promote HT locally, you're helping to promote HT nationally. Even if you aren't hosting an event, you can still support NHTW week by sending a letter to your local editor that explains the uses and benefits of HT. What a great way to introduce HT to your community and create interest and excitement about your profession. If you are hosting an event, be sure to publicize it with your local media and don't forget to extend an invitation to your community leaders. You will be surprised at how much mileage you can get from a little publicity. If you would like assistance with developing a press release or other promotional materials, contact lanadreyfuss@yahoo.com or info@ahta.org. We're happy to lend a hand.

If you aren't busy planning an event, take the time to attend one!
If you're new to HT and just learning about NHTW it's not too early to begin work on your event for 2008. Make a commitment today to promote NHTW. Celebrate your passion for your profession!

Contact Lana Dreyfuss if you have questions or comments or have an event you want to tell us about.
Lana Dreyfuss, HTR - lanadreyfuss@yahoo.com
President, AHTA
President, Chesapeake Chapter of AHTA