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Tag Archive for: Indiana Department of Health

NeuroHope’s Speech at Indiana Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Conference

October 13, 2021/in General Blog Posts, Media, News/by Chris Leeuw

NeuroHope Executive Director Chris Leeuw was one of seven speakers at the 2018 Indiana Traumatic Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Conference, held April 18th at the IU Health Neuroscience Center in downtown Indianapolis.

The annual conference is sponsored by the Indiana Department of Health to showcase projects that have been made possible thanks to support from the Indiana Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Fund.

Leeuw’s talk focused on NeuroHope’s expansion and the mission to provide affordable, activity-based therapy to people living with and recovering from neurologic injury.  He also discussed NeuroHope’s recent invitation to join the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation NeuroRecovery Network (NRN), and the research that is collected at NRN sites across the U.S.

Full transcription of the presentation:

“Good afternoon!   My name is Chris Leeuw, Director of NeuroHope.

We are honored and thankful to share the NeuroHope story with everyone. This presentation will be different than others today, because the support we received from the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Fund was not STRICTLY to fund research. Data collection is a part of what we do, but the primary purpose of the two-year grant we received has been to help our charity NeuroHope expand its very specific mission: to make long-term therapy and exercise programs available for people recovering from traumatic injury after insurance expires, and to do so in a way that is affordable and accessible for the patients that need it.

NeuroHope openedn in 2015 in a part-time gym with the help of the University of Indianapolis Krannert School of Physical Therapy.  We understood first-hand that it takes a long time to recover from most neurologic injuries.   And, we understood that since healthcare is dictated by insurance reimbursement, patients are discharged from inpatient rehab too soon.  Sometimes, discharge is within a matter of weeks, after which, patients are given a limited amount of outpatient PT/OT visits to continue their recovery, which is simply not enough. It is not enough time.  It is not enough access.

I lived through the process as a patient.  In 2010 I suffered an incomplete C4 spinal cord injury that initially left me a total quadriplegic, paralyzed from the neck down. I’m standing here today because my injury turned out to be less severe than many.  I was very fortunate in my recovery.  But, even in my situation it to took two years of daily, aggressive therapy to maximize my recovery.  I was at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana for my inpatient stay, where I had outstanding care.  I did not want to leave. I stayed there for 8 weeks, which is much LONGER than most patients, because I was showing slow signs of progress.  But, when my time there expired I was still was mostly paralyzed, and I had to leave continue my rehab out of state.

Within the first year of a spinal cord injury (SCI), medical costs can approach 1 million dollars.   Healthcare costs continue to rise, and as a result, inpatient days have become more limited.   In the 1970’s the average stay following SCI was 98 days.  Today, that number has shrunk to just 35 days.

In year two, and every year after, medical costs may reach $100,000 per year.  One in four discharged patients are admitted back into the healthcare system because they sit at home and secondary complications that come hand-in-hand with neurologic injury (pressure sores, contracture, bone-density, etc.) kick in.   Outpatient therapy allowances are shrinking as well.  Insurance companies allow an average of 21.5 visits per year for outpatient physical and occupational therapy.  So, we’re faced with a great irony. At a time when rehabilitative advances are happening faster and faster, adequate access to the best resources is more difficult to come by.

At NeuroHope, we have a different, 4-stage vision.

We do everything we can to complete the continuum of care.  After a patient is discharged, instead of a two-stage process, we add a third stage.   By providing care at affordable, private-pay-rates, the third stage involves a comprehensive approach to extended rehabilitation so patients can maximize their recovery in the critical first two years after injury.   Then we add a 4th stage for chronic injuries that can blend personal training and wellness programs to help patients maintain a healthy quality of life.

This has been our goal.   Thanks to support from the ISCBIR Fund, we have been able to increase staff, move to a new gym in the Incrediplex, and increase hours.  Most importantly, we have been able to tap into our waitlist and help more people living with paralysis. We are currently seeing about 50 clients, with varying diagnosis, the majority being SCI, TBI.

The expansion has also secured an invitation from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to join their NeuroRecovery Network (NRN).  The NRN is a network of sites that share a similar vision centered around activity-based therapy (ABT).  ABT specifically focuses on weaknesses and activating the neuromuscular system below the injury level.

NRN sites collaborate with each other and collect data. Most NRN sites are clinical sites tied to leading rehabilitation hospitals.  Other NRN sites, including NeuroHope, are focused more on community fitness and wellness – with an emphasis on making activity-based therapy more widely available in more of a gym setting.

Some of the research collected exclusively at NRN sites involves Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES).  This looks like normal Electrical Stimulation (E-stim) or FES, but it is much different. NMES is centered around the success of epidural stimulation research.  NMES uses different parameters than typical E-stim.  The main differences are higher pulse width and frequency, and longer amplitude. NMES tries to trigger beyond the muscle into the nervous system.

We’re proud to be a part of the NRN, although it is a very small part of what we do.

Our primary focus centers on the basic mission of getting people active, out of their chairs, and promoting as much recovery and wellness as possible to improve long-term quality of life.   Over the next two years, NeuroHope staff will be working with researchers from the University of Indianapolis to track patient outcome measures, and patient satisfaction.  We have also developed a logic model to help track the overall goals of our program.

This strategic plan is important, because our program must remain sustainable.  A substantial part of what we do relies on fundraising to help offset the true cost of the care we provide.   It’s critical for us to work with providers and healthcare leaders to help complete this continuum of care. And, it’s our hope we can be back a year from now and share our continued success.

Thank you very much.”

https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/conference_blog.jpg 350 960 Chris Leeuw /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg Chris Leeuw2021-10-13 17:35:182022-09-27 14:55:12NeuroHope’s Speech at Indiana Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Conference

NeuroHope Receives $150,000 State Grant

October 11, 2021/in Annoucements, General Blog Posts, Homepage, News/by Chris Leeuw

We are proud to announce that NeuroHope is the recipent of a new $150,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Health, by way of the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) and the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Fund!

Back in 2017, an expansion grant from CTSI and the Indiana Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Fund helped NeuroHope lay the foundation for an extended therapy and wellness gym in Indianapolis for patients to continue their recovery and improve their health after insurance expires.  Now, we are honored to receive additional funding to help our program continue to grow.

Indianapolis is fortunate to have excellent rehabilitation hospitals for people recovering from catastrophic events.  Unfortunately, due to the rising costs of healthcare, the time patients are able to spend in them is often limited to a matter of weeks of insurance covered therapy visits.

NeuroHope was created to fill this void in care.  We believe the high cost of therapy should not prevent people from receiving the care they need during their life-changing recovery.  Our model revolves around providing affordable rates for therapy and wellness programs.  We raise funds through community partners, grants, and our army of supporters to offset the cost so patients have a longer-term continuum of care.  We are thankful the state of Indiana continues to have confidence in our program and the hundreds of patients we have served!

This grant will be an important part of our model and we look forward to the coming year!

https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/NHCTSI.jpg 303 797 Chris Leeuw /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg Chris Leeuw2021-10-11 17:24:522022-09-26 16:27:58NeuroHope Receives $150,000 State Grant

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Mar 14

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#SpinalCordInjury recovery is a team effort💪. Caleb in a Locomotor Training treadmill session with the NeuroHope team. Step by step we’re here for you.  #keeppushing #AffordableRehab #spinalcordinjuryrecovery

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Mar 9

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On the first Friday of each month, we host a community group of rotating activities and topics. This month, @pawsandthinkinc, a fellow nonprofit that brings therapy dogs into the community paid us a visit!  Golden Retriever Nai’a had 3 objectives : Belly rubs, head pats, and smiles.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! 😀.
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Here’s to the amazing women who make our community what it is: leaders, clinicians, patients, caregivers & supporters.  Thank you!
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Mar 2

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Less than two months before her 2022 high school graduation, Olivia was paralyzed in a car crash.  She has been on a physical, emotional, and mental journey over the last year, recovering from her spinal cord injury.  In the year since her accident , she has suffered pressure sores, UTIs, blood pressure issues and more.
She bounces back , and keeps pushing.  The need for continued therapy and exercise programs after life-changing injuries is real - and her story is an inspiring one!  Read it through the link on our IG Story! .
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KENDAL driving NeuroFit class 💪💪!!
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Feb 14

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Happiest of Birthdays to Wellness Director Bart!! He has helped build our programs for 5 years and helped hundreds of people (like Mitch 💪💪) on their recovery journey!  Thank you Bart!
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Calab (Spinal cord injury), on the floor with Barry and Kendal.  Balance and core work to keep his body moving 💪💪.
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Jan 31

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We are looking for an energetic Occupational Therapist passionate about #neurorecovery AND a Development / Advancement Manager to help our growing team reach new audiences, donors, and partners!

Join our growing team .Interested applicants inquire through the link in our bio, and type either "OT" or "Development" in the subject line.

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Jan 25

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Learning to walk again is something no one ever expects they will need to do.  It is the definition of determination, resilience , patience, and guidance.  PT Brittanie is here for Mark every step of the way 💪💪.

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Jan 6

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Therapy Director Elliot and Chris were in studio @indynowtv to tell the NeuroHope story and the hundreds of families we have helped on their road to recovery from #Spinalcordinjury #braininjury and #Stroke.  Neurologic injuries are life changing.  The need for affordable rehab after hospital discharge, and specialized fitness programs to improve long-term health is REAL.  Thanks to @uindy_kspt, @orthoindy Foundation , @reevefoundation and all those who have helped us grow.
Recovery is a process.  It’s why we’re here!.
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Jan 2

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Just a few of the NeuroHope #heroes battling #paralysis and the hard work they put in everyday….
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Dec 27

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Thank you @indystar for telling my personal story recovering from #spinalcordinjury , the growth of NeuroHope thanks to @orthoindy Foundation and most importantly ..the hundreds of people recovering from paralysis NeuroHope helps receive affordable , after-hospital care.

It’s all possible thanks to our amazing staff that change lives everyday , and the supporters that believe in us!

Readable link in bio!

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at NeuroHope!

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It’s getting pretty Christmas-y at NeuroHope! 🎄 Decorations are up , and we’re in the spirit!
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Nov 30

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The healthcare system is complex, especially for people recovering from neurological conditions like spinal cord injury, brain injury, and stroke.  The cost of care is high, and the time spent in insurance-covered rehabilitation is short.  Our mission revolves around providing services for the people that fall through the cracks of healthcare.  It’s why we’re here.  We smashed our $5,000 #GivingTuesday goal, and raised $7,000 yesterday to support our programs for people recovering from paralysis
Thank you all!

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Nov 29

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Keep those #GivingTuesday donations coming! $200 for a chance for four ROW 1 Colts tix, field passes, transportation to #MondayNightFootball on 12/26!
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Help us reach our $5,000 goal to help those recovering from paralysis!

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Nov 29

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TODAY!  A $200 donation could WIN FOUR 1st row @colts tickets, field passes, and transportation to Monday Night Football 12/26! Courtesy of @hensleylegal !

Help us reach our $5,000 goal today to help people recovering from #paralysis. 
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Nov 14

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Day 1 of our @ndtassociation seminar led by DPT Monica Diamond. “Facilitating Transitional Movements Effectively”. 
Lecture and lab today - for postural control, and balance for neuromuscular impairments.
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Nov 12

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Wishing a special #VeteransDay weekend to clients Mike, Bob, and ALL who have served!  Thank you for your service - and for being YOU.

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Nov 4

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Kayode (c4/5 spinal cord injury) working on sit-to-stands with Megan.  Activating quads, glutes and STANDING TALL.  Recovery is a process.  This is why we’re here!.
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Oct 27

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BIG Congratulations to Wellness Director Bart Richwalski - now certified through the NSCA as a Special Population Specialist (CSPS). This is a rigorous exam established for kinesiologists to address the unique fitness needs of those with chronic neuromuscular conditions.

We can’t express how lucky we are to have Bart leading our Wellness Team.  Since joining NeuroHope 5 years ago, he has built a parallel program to our clinical therapy side, and made NeuroHope’s overall model - a hybrid of skilled therapy and personalized fitness what it is today.

Congratulations Bart!.
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6002 Sunnyside Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46236

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Lumber Warehouse

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NeuroHope is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides long-term physical rehabilitation and wellness following neurologic injury.   TIN: 46-1842276

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