Siskin Hospital Therapist is Recipient of Outstanding
Professional Award at the National American
Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference
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Chattanooga, TN-- Lisa Morgan, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor at Siskin Hospital, was recently presented with the Outstanding Professional Award at the National American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) Conference.
Morgan received the award in honor of her exceptional achievements that have directly benefited the Recreational Therapy profession. She is the Co-Chair of the Federal Public Policy Team and has continuously worked with Recreational Therapy professionals, as well as with the U.S. Senators and House of Representatives regarding the Recreational Therapy field.
According to the ATRA, Recreational Therapists utilize a wide range of activity and community-based interventions and techniques to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and leisure needs of their clients. Recreational Therapists assist clients to develop skills, knowledge and behaviors for daily living and community involvement. The therapist works with the client and their family to incorporate specific interests and community resources into therapy, in order to achieve optimal outcomes that transfer to their real life situation.
"As the Recreation Therapy Supervisor at Siskin Hospital, I feel as though I have been given an opportunity to reach our patients in a positive way. I am always looking for a new, fun way to provide therapeutic activities to the patients, which can be very beneficial when used along with traditional therapy methods. I love having the opportunity to educate our patients and their families, along with the community about opportunities that are available to individuals with a disability," Morgan stated.
Morgan's dedication to excellence has consistently benefited the patients at Siskin Hospital. Morgan finds creative ways for patients to enjoy their therapy with a variety of recreational activities. She helps coordinate the Pet Therapy program, as well as the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera performances at the hospital. She started a Garden Club for former and current patients to give them additional opportunities to be outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery at the hospital's Leisure Park. Morgan also arranged for election officials to bring voting ballots to patients that were in the hospital on Election Day, ensuring they were given the opportunity to vote.
Morgan also manages the Siskin Hospital "Rebounders," a national wheelchair basketball team sponsored by the hospital. She helped develop and organize the Siskin Hospital Adaptive Sports program, which is designed to give individuals with a disability an opportunity to learn or re-learn how to play golf and other sports by using high tech equipment in the hospital's Adaptive Sports Center room. Morgan also volunteers with other Siskin Hospital employees at the Hosanna Community, where she helps residents prepare meals and learn valuable life skills.
"It is very important to me that individuals with a disability have the opportunity to be as active and independent as possible. These individuals deserve to have opportunities that will allow them to enjoy life as much as possible by doing things they want to do," Morgan said.
Siskin Hospital is proud to offer the Recreational Therapy program. This program is not covered by insurance and the hospital is not reimbursed for this service. Knowing the positive impact the program has on Siskin Hospital patients, it has become a vital part of providing encouragement and additional opportunities to individuals with a disability. Siskin Hospital's mission is to provide a high quality physical rehabilitation services continuum, where positive outcomes are achieved in a manner that ensures ongoing benefits to the individual served, as well as the community at large.
For more information on Siskin Hospital's Recreational Therapy program, please call 634-1674.
Chattanooga, TN—Like many caring people in the Chattanooga community, Siskin Hospital joins in the sharing and giving of holiday cheer this season by providing numerous holiday activities for patients and employees.
Employees have volunteered to purchase Christmas gifts as part of the Santa for All Seasons program, which supplies Christmas gifts to foster children in Chattanooga. Even though economic times are tough, several Siskin Hospital employees agreed it was necessary to adopt the children’s Christmas Wish Lists and provide them with a variety of clothing, shoes, toys, and other holiday items to help ensure they enjoy the holiday season.
On Friday, December 12, the Brainerd High School Choir will be singing holiday carols for the patients from 11:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Inpatient Therapy Gym.
“We are so thankful to have Charles Collins, Choral Instructor, bring his students to the hospital. The patients love having the choir here and they are so talented! We are very thankful to the Brainerd High School Choir for donating their time and talent to help brighten a patient’s day with beautiful holiday music,” Lisa Morgan, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor at Siskin Hospital, said.
A talented group of Station House singers will also be at Siskin Hospital on Tuesday, December 16th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the employee Holiday Party. The Holiday Party is a time for all employees in the hospital to gather for some holiday fun. The hospital’s Leadership Team will be serving the employees their holiday meal. Later that evening, a local Girl Scout group will also be at the hospital caroling for the patients.
On Thursday, December 18, the Siskin Hospital Stroke Support Group will be traveling around the hospital singing carols and passing out holiday cards to brighten the patients’ day. Tonya Ware, Siskin Hospital CNA, will be joining her church choir on Sunday, December 21 to sing holiday carols to patients in the SubAcute Unit at Siskin Hospital.
The Pet Therapy volunteers will also be making their rounds, wagging their tails throughout the hospital on their scheduled visits. Pet Therapy animals are able to provide patients with unconditional love and acceptance. Siskin Hospital is so grateful to the volunteers who consistently devote time and attention to patients in need. The Christmas tree at the Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital proudly displays hand-made ornaments with pictures of the Pet Therapy pets and their owners. This is just one more way these adorable animals spread cheer at Siskin Hospital.
“It’s important for us to try to make the holiday season as special as it can be for our patients. It can be very hard to be in the hospital, away from your family, church and holiday activities. So, we feel very blessed to have the community’s support in providing our patients with several holiday activities that will hopefully lift their spirits and provide holiday cheer,” Morgan stated.
Siskin Hospital is a non-profit organization, with a mission to provide a high quality physical rehabilitation continuum, where positive outcomes are achieved in a manner that ensures ongoing benefits to the individual served, as well as the community at large. For more information on Siskin Hospital, please call 423-634-1200 or visit www.siskinrehab.org.
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Scott Burrows to Speak at 6th Annual Possibilities Luncheon
Chattanooga, TN- Siskin Hospital is proud to announce that Scott Burrows will be the guest speaker for the 6th Annual "Possibilities: Siskin Hospital Celebrates Life Beyond Disability" Luncheon on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. The Luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
At the age of 19, Scott Burrows was living his dream of playing football for Bobby Bowden at Florida State University. He was also ranked number one in the state of Florida's Light-Heavy Weight Kick Boxing Division, when tragedy struck...
A single car accident left Scott paralyzed from the chest down, classifying him as a quadriplegic and instantly changing his life. Scott's life had taken an unforeseen turn and his dreams were shattered, as this multi-talented athlete was now confined to a wheelchair.
While in recovery, Scott realized he had two choices in life: he could take control of his life or let life take control of him. From that moment forward, he determined that his disability would not define him. Rather than being sidelined in the game of life, he worked hard to accomplish his goals.
Scott now uses his own success formula of Vision, Mindset and Grit to maximize untapped potential and excel in any challenge he faces. He is an international business owner, wheelchair athlete, author, and renowned professional and motivational speaker. He challenges himself with golf, full-contact wheelchair rugby, wheelchair marathons, skiing, scuba diving, and parasailing. The fear of being a quadriplegic could have ended his dreams, but Scott refused to be sidelined and decided instead to Play Up the Possibilities!
The Possibilities Luncheon will feature personal accounts of how individuals have overcome their disabilities to accomplish amazing things. There will be a very special patient video with heartwarming footage of Siskin Hospital patients who have a miraculous recovery story to share. Love, courage, and perseverance helped each person turn tragedy into triumph, as they discovered that life is full of possibilities.
A dedicated Steering Committee is working with Siskin Hospital employees to help coordinate the luncheon. Siskin Hospital is very excited to have Michael and Paige Mathis as the 2009 Steering Committee Co-Chairs. The Possibilities Luncheon is Siskin Hospital's largest community-wide fundraising event, with proceeds helping to provide needed services for patients without adequate insurance to cover the cost of their care. Siskin Hospital would like to thank Unum for their continued support as the Primary Sponsor of the Possibilities Luncheon for six years.
Individual tickets to the event are $65. Patron and Crystal Sponsorship Tables of 8 are available for $1,000 and $1,500. This year, Siskin Hospital is happy to provide new sponsorship levels, which include a Feature Patient Honoree Table of 8 for $5,000, as well as a Former Patient Honorary or Memorial Table of 8 for $2,500.
For more information or to reserve your place at the Possibilities Luncheon, please contact Sandy Howell by phone at (423) 634.1208 or by email at showell@siskinrehab.org. Online registration and donation opportunities are also available by visiting www.siskinrehab.org.
CLICK HERE to visit the Possibilities Luncheon page, where you can register online for tickets and sponsorship opportunities.
October 28th at Red Bank High School
Chattanooga - Get ready for some excitement as Siskin Hospital's National Wheelchair Basketball team, the Rebounders, takes on Red Bank High School's Boys Varsity Basketball team in a Wheelchair Basketball Benefit Game.
The Wheelchair Basketball Benefit Game will start at 7:00 p.m. on October 28 at Red Bank High School's Gym. Tickets to the Benefit Game are $10.
Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation and Red Bank High School have teamed up to help raise money for the Rebounders, Red Bank High School's Boys Varsity Basketball Team, and Red Bank High School's Health Occupations Students of America.
Since 1999, Siskin Hospital has sponsored the Rebounders, a team in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) that has been burning wheels and setting records for almost ten years. The Rebounders won the Division III National Championship in 2005.
Ranging in age from teenagers to adults in their 60's, the Rebounders team practices weekly and travels from October to February competing in tournaments nationwide. The Rebounders are a co-ed team open to players with all degrees of physical disability. The rules and levels of physical contact are just like able-bodied college basketball. The only exception is that the chair is part of the players' body, performing quick moves, sprints, pivots, and body-bumping picks required by the sport.
The Rebounders uniforms, travel expenses, transportation, and equipment are sponsored by Siskin Hospital. Each year Siskin Hospital employees volunteer to sell tickets, t-shirts, and concessions at the Siskin Hospital home tournaments. The Benefit Game will be the team's largest fundraising event of the year, and will provide community awareness and education of Wheelchair Sports. The team hopes to show the competitiveness and skill level of playing Wheelchair Basketball.
Red Bank High School's Boys Varsity Basketball team will also rely on this Benefit Game to raise money for equipment and uniforms. The team will be borrowing sport wheelchairs to use for the game and will have several practices with the Rebounders team leading up to the big game night.
The Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) at Red Bank High School will also benefit from the game. HOSA is a national student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division of the Association for Career and Technical Education. The mission of HOSA is to enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality health care by providing opportunities for knowledge, skill and leadership development of all health science technology education students, therefore, helping students to meet the needs of the health care community. The money raised will help cover costs for students to travel to National HOSA Conferences.
Red Bank High School is hoping to increase student awareness of some of the challenges and accomplishments people with disabilities experience. The Rebounders instill confidence and a sense of camaraderie in its players and continue to expand ideas of what it means to be a disabled athlete. This fast paced, competitive game, compiled with talented athletes, is an example that there is a fun way to get exercise regardless of a disability. This competitive spirit and willingness to make the best of any situation exemplifies the players' character and Siskin Hospital is honored to be the Rebounders sponsor.
"If you've never been to a wheelchair basketball game, you don't know what you've missed! There is unbelievable talent on the floor and the Wheelchair Basketball games are a fun experience for everyone. We hope you will join us in supporting the Rebounders team, Red Bank High School's Boys Varsity Basketball team, and the Health Occupations Students of America at Red Bank High School," said Lisa Morgan, Department Coordinator for Recreational Therapy at Siskin Hospital.
To purchase tickets or for more information on the Wheelchair Basketball Benefit Game, please call Lisa Morgan at 423.634.1674 or call Red Bank High School's Boys Varsity Basketball Coach, John Cherne, at 423.874.1900, ext. 2140. You may also visit www.siskinrehab.org for more information.
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Siskin Hospital Hosts 18th Annual
Siskin Hospital Golf Classic
Chattanooga-- The 18th Annual Siskin Hospital Golf Classic will be held on October 7th at Council Fire Golf Course in Chattanooga. A 1:00 p.m. shotgun start will begin the round of golf at Council Fire's beautiful and challenging course.
Dedication to excellence is the reason that, year after year, the Siskin Hospital Golf Classic is Chattanooga's premier golfing event. Loyalty from the community has helped to keep this tradition alive each year.
This is the sixth year of the Chairman's Club, a special opportunity for participants to give back to Siskin Hospital. The hospital has received an overwhelming response this year and would like to thank the golfers and sponsors who stepped up to the plate to join this elite group- the 2008 Chairman's Club, an impressive 92% of our roster.
Siskin Hospital salutes this year's Platinum Sponsors, including Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company, COS Business Products & Interiors, Erlanger Health System, Russ Blakely and Associates, Unum, and BlueCross BlueShield. The hospital is proud to note that both Coca-Cola and COS Business Products & Interiors have been major underwriters for all eighteen tournaments.
Thanks to Russ Blakely and Associates, and back by popular demand, all golfers once again have the chance to walk away with $20,000 in cash for the "Hole In One" prize on the twelfth hole. The cash prize will be on display courtesy of SunTrust Bank at the tournament entrance. Kelly Cadillac has, for the 18th consecutive year, sponsored the "Hole In One" prize for the fourth hole, a 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid two-year lease. Siskin Hospital greatly appreciates the support of these sponsors. Their commitment and generosity make the Golf Classic tournament a success year after year.
Every dollar raised at the Siskin Hospital Golf Classic goes to the hospital's Charity Care Fund, which helps improve the lives of disabled individuals and their families. This year, proceeds from the tournament will support programs that are unique to Siskin Hospital and are not covered by insurance or Medicare. Such examples include the Adaptive Golf Clinic and the Wheelchair Basketball program.
Siskin Hospital employees would like to thank all of those who support the hospital's mission to enrich the lives of the patients served each day. Together, with the community's involvement, Siskin Hospital is able to provide new opportunities and hope to thousands of patients and their families.
The Siskin Hospital Golf Classic is an annual event held each year at Council Fire Golf Course. It is hosted by Siskin Hospital and staffed by employee volunteers. For more information on the Siskin Hospital Golf Classic or to find out how you can help make a difference in the lives of Siskin Hospital patients and their families, please call 423.634.1208.
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"I JUST CAN'T HELP BELIEVING" Rehab Week is going to be "SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL," so "FEEL THE 70'S LOVE" and GROOOOVE on over to Siskin Hospital for some FUNKY health news happenin's!!!
SWEEEET!
Chattanooga - Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is celebrating National Rehabilitation Week from September 14-20.
This year, Siskin Hospital is celebrating this special week with a groovy 70's theme and will host employee, patient, and community events to celebrate the field of physical rehabilitation, educate others about the field, and recognize those whose lives have been touched by disability.
Employees and patients will participate in some way cool and far out activities to raise money for Siskin Hospital's Patient Care Fund, which provides financial assistance to current patients in need. Additional fundraisers will also benefit the Patient Clothes Closet, which provides patients with appropriate clothing for therapy and their return home.
All activities are staffed and created by Siskin Hospital employees. The Hospital's guest relations committee, "POSitively Caring!," acts as the steering committee for the week-long event. Siskin Hospital supports the event so that all funds raised can go directly to the Patient Care Fund.
MONDAY, SEPT. 15th
Jeepers Creepers! How'd your ride get so dirty? Don't have a cow man- Siskin Hospital's Leadership Team will be WORKIN' at the CAR WASH from 11a.m. to 1:30p.m. Employees will donate $5 or bring in clothes for the Patient Clothes Closet to get their car washed- benefiting the Patient Care Fund! Spiffy Clean Dude!!!
TUESDAY, SEPT. 16th
We'll enjoy some TASTY competition, if you catch my drift, with the Betty Crocker Cook Off, from 11a.m. to 1:30p.m. in the Patient Dining Room. Everybody'll donate $2 to the Patient Care Fund to sample the entries and judge the most awesome food & presentation. SWEEEET!!!
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17th
Boogie on out to the Leisure Park for a radical good time at the Mystery Luncheon/ Fashion Show from 11a.m. to 1:30p.m. Employees will get a Dyno-Mite meal from Sticky Fingers and will be entertained with the Hubba Bubba Seventies Fashion Show at 12:15p.m. Famous 70's personalities will strut their stuff- Jinkies, is that Scooby Doo and the Mystery Machine, Wonder Woman, & Three's Company??? RAD!!!
THURSDAY, SEPT. 18th
Get down at the Rockin' with the Seventies Patient Party from 2p.m. to 4p.m. in the Patient Dining Room! Patients will be stoked about this gig cause we'll be takin' care of business with awesome 70's games- Jaws Water Shoot, Bill Dance Fishing Expedition, Styx Croquet, Smiley Face Bean Bag Toss & more! Live funkadelic tunes, snacks, and prizes are sure to make this patient party rockin'!!!
FRIDAY, SEPT. 19th
Employees will donate $ to the Patient Care Fund to vote for their favorite Jive Turkeys to be dunked at the Dunk Tank Trivia Challenge from 11a.m. to 1:30p.m. outside. 12 of the 24 contestants who raise the most $ by answering 1970's trivia, will have the chance to stump the trivia panel and be spared a dunk. If they answer incorrectly, they will be dunked!!!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- September 14-20, 2008
Contact: Lindsay Wyatt, Media Coordinator
Office: 423.634.1214
Email: lwyatt@siskinrehab.org
Siskin Hospital Physical Therapist, Cristy Clark, is
Chattanooga's Only Board Certified Specialist in Geriatrics
Chattanooga, TN- Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is proud to announce that Cristy Clark, Senior Physical Therapist, has been certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as the first and only Geriatric Clinical Specialist in Chattanooga.
Cristy has recently completed all of the requirements necessary to become a "Board Certified Specialist in Geriatrics."
"This is a great accomplishment, as it requires knowledge in a wide variety of areas," said Tod Cain, Directory of Therapy Services at Siskin Hospital. The certification process requires at least two years experience treating geriatric patients, as well as passing a difficult clinical specialist exam. Geriatrics focuses on treating patients over the age of 65 years old.
Cristy has worked at Siskin Hospital for 10 years, where she has been the Senior Physical Therapist in the SubAcute Unit for the past 3½ years. She has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from UTC, and will graduate from UTC in December 2008 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Siskin Hospital is very proud of Cristy's hard work to attain the Geriatric Specialist Certification, something that no other health professional in the Chattanooga community has accomplished. Cain further stated, "Cristy's dedication to clinical excellence is why Siskin Hospital has such exceptional clinical outcomes with our patients."
For more information on Siskin Hospital's SubAcute Rehabilitation Program, please visit the website at www.siskinrehab.org or call 423.634.1277. To learn more about the Clinical Specialization Program, please visit the American Physical Therapy Association website at www.apta.org.
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Unum Contributes $500,000
to the Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital
Open House scheduled to unveil the new Unum Fitness Zone
Chattanooga, Tenn. - The Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital announces the opening of the Unum Fitness Zone. Funded with a $500,000 donation by Unum, the Unum Fitness Zone is a dedicated area in the Fitness Center that specializes in cardiovascular exercise.
An Open House at the Fitness Center will take place from noon to 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18. Special remarks from Robert Main, Siskin Hospital president/CEO and Bob Best, Unum's chief operating officer, will take place at 4 p.m. Tours of the facility, demonstrations of tai chi, yoga, kickboxing and water aerobic classes, as well as free chair massages will be available to those attending.
Fitness Center staff members will conduct free health screenings, including blood pressure and body mass index screenings. Those who sign up for membership at the Fitness Center will be entered to win a free heart rate monitor, a free one-hour massage, or five free hours of personal training.
"The partnership with Siskin Hospital is a natural fit," said Bob Best. "We are both committed to helping those in the disabled community."
Unum helps to protect more than 25 million working people and their families every day in the event of a disabling injury or illness. Siskin Hospital's mission is to help individuals return to productive living after suffering a traumatic injury or illness.
The Fitness Center is conveniently located on Siskin Hospital's main campus in downtown Chattanooga. The focus of the Fitness Center is to provide a place where disabled and able-bodied people, whether former patients or not, can exercise side-by-side.
The Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital opens a world of fitness possibilities for those who have a disability or may need a little more attention when they exercise. The Fitness Center provides a safe, friendly atmosphere that helps to minimize feelings of self-consciousness.
Join us to celebrate Unum's contribution of helping disabled individuals find their comfort zone at the Fitness Center. For more information, please contact the Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital at 423.634.1234.
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