Austin, Texas, Feb. 4, 2015 - After seven years of growth and impact, Hanger Clinic's Amputee Empowerment Partners (AEP) Peer Support Program is unveiling a new, exciting change.

AEP is becoming "AMPOWER," a three-tiered, comprehensive program whose mission is to empower and strengthen those affected by amputation or limb differences through peer mentorship, education, and community.

More than a name change, the AMPOWER program, which will be launched in stages, will encompass three parts:

1. AMPOWER Peer Support Program: A peer-to-peer support program, which is already in place, will continue matching amputees with certified peer mentors based on gender, age, clinical indication for amputation, and level of amputation. Communication may include face-to-face visits, phone conversations, or online interaction through our private, monitored web community at www.EmpoweringAmputees.org.

2. www.HangerClinic.com/AMPOWER: A new online resource center that will provide practical, helpful information addressing the needs and concerns of amputees and their care providers at every stage of their journey, from pre-operative care to recovery and rehabilitation.

3. AMPOWER Events: A new community events program that will bring amputees, family members, and care providers together to gain knowledge, build strength, and create camaraderie nationwide.

With more than 920 trained peer mentors across the U.S., more than 6,600 registered members at www.EmpoweringAmputees.org, and the drive to strengthen the amputee community and connection - it's time to get AMPOWERED!

About Hanger: Founded in 1861 by the first amputee of the Civil War, Hanger Clinic, a business unit of Hanger, Inc., owns and operates 770+ patient care clinics nationwide. The certified clinicians of Hanger provide patients with the latest in orthotic and prosthetic solutions, including microprocessor devices for those with limb loss and neuromuscular technologies for those with paralysis due to stroke, MS and other debilitating conditions. For more information on Hanger, visit www.Hanger.com, and for more information on Hanger Clinic, visit www.HangerClinic.com. Follow us at www.Facebook.com/HangerNews , www.Twitter.com/HangerNews, and www.YouTube.com/HangerNews.

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Jennifer Bittner, Hanger, Inc.
512-777-3730, jbittner@hanger.com

Krisita Burket, Hanger, Inc.
904-249-0314, kburket@hanger.com

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