Senator Mark Kirk Visits Marianjoy to Promote Stroke Awareness and Receive Chairman’s Award from American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association
Wheaton, Illinois (PRWEB) May 30, 2014 -- Associates and patients of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital capped off a month-long celebration of Stroke Awareness by welcoming U.S. Senator Mark Kirk to their facility on Thursday, May 29th.
During his visit, Senator Kirk was provided an overview of the Stroke Program at Marianjoy where more than 500 patients receive rehabilitation care annually. Marianjoy President and CEO Kathleen Yosko also presented the Senator with the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association (AMRPA) Chairman's Award for his ongoing support and advocacy for the protection of rehabilitation as an important component of the overall continuum of care for patients. In presenting the award, Ms. Yosko characterized Kirk as “a role model for all stroke patients due to his personal experience with the rehabilitation process.” Ms. Yosko noted, ”Senator Kirk is truly an advocate for all who need comprehensive rehabilitation, not just those who have had a stroke.” Upon receiving the award Senator Kirk stated, “Rehabilitation is critical in getting patients back to work after a significant health event. Illinois is home to leading rehab providers, like Marianjoy, that deliver high quality care and pursue cutting-edge research that helps meet the individual needs of every patient, so they can become independent again." Following the award presentation Ms. Yosko added, "Our patients, hospital, and industry have a true friend in Senator Kirk. He not only understands the vital role we play, he has experienced the benefits of comprehensive rehabilitation first hand."
Marianjoy Stroke Program Medical Director Dr. Richard Krieger, noted that “by restoring functional independence through a coordinated program of rehabilitation, patients are able to return to their lives following a stroke.” The cost for rehabilitation services represents a small portion of overall Medicare expenditures, but over the last several years this sector has been a target for aggressive regulatory rules and reduced reimbursement, which have impacted access to this level of care. Dr. Krieger added, “Advocates like Senator Kirk are helping to ensure those who need rehabilitation following a stroke will be able to receive it.”
During the Senator’s visit, associates from Marianjoy highlighted the value of medical rehabilitation across the continuum of stroke care. Team members detailed improvements and gains patients experience following rehabilitation, as well as the ability to reduce overall medical costs by maximizing the health of patients. The latter outcome may potentially prevent subsequent medical complications which can lead to further hospitalization.
Denise LeBloch, Marianjoy Rehabilition Hospital, http://www.marianjoy.org, 630-909-7104, [email protected]
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