Where Can You Get Emotional Support During Your Journey?
Many of the Prosthetic & Orthotic clinics we work with offer connections to trained peer mentors who have successfully recovered and rehabilitated following amputation and want to share their knowledge.
We as a company, also offer the experience and advice from our Blatchford Ambassadors of Mobility (BAM!). They have been Ambassadors of Blatchford for months or years and want to share their personal experiences with others on the same journey.
If you are struggling to feel better emotionally, or are feeling overwhelmed or alone before/during/after your amputation, professional help can make a big difference.
If you or someone you know is feeling especially bad or suicidal, get help right away! You can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center or dial 911 for immediate assistance.
Get names of mental health professionals from your doctor, friends, clergy or the local Mental Health America affiliate at: https://arc.mhanational.org/find-affiliate
Industry Resources & Partners
Blatchford is committed to creating a prosthetic community that is built on information sharing. The following resources and links are for both amputees and the healthcare professionals that serve them:
Patient Advocacy
A network of patient advocacy groups is available throughout North America to provide amputees with prosthesis guidance, educational, financial and emotional support.
Non-Profit Amputee Organizations
The following provide support for uninsured or under-insured amputees:
For Texas Residents - www.theprostheticfoundation.org
For Arizona Residents - https://lifeofmotion.org
For Amputees Globally - www.limbsforlife.org
Steps of Faith | #GiveSteps (stepsoffaithfoundation.org)
Non-profit public health charity providing prosthetic car to uninsured amputees.
www.abledamputees.org
Abled Amputees of America - Education, Inspiration, Support and Financial Assistance
www.ironleg.org - providing prosthetics, therapy, and general support for children in need of lower limb prosthetics.
www.amputee-coalition.org - The Amputee Coalition has a database that can help amputees identify resources, services and support at the national, state and local levels. Visit their Community Connections to search their database.
Mental Health America - North America's leading non-profit dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier lives.
Amplitude Magazine - Valuable, unbiased news, information, and resources for amputees and caregivers.
Check out "One Arm Between Us" on YouTube to watch a show created by Cameron Clapp, an amputee with a passion to help others, while he shares his support and knowledge with others facing similar challenges.
Events
www.usparalympics.org
www.ironman.com
www.adaptivesports.org
Advice & Tips
Adjusting to your new device can be challenging. We provide you with expert suggestions from fellow amputees: