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Tag Archive for: Senate Health and Service Providers Committee

NeuroHope Bill to Fund Recovery Programs Passes Senate

January 23, 2015/in Annoucements, General Blog Posts/by Chris Leeuw

 

In the months since our campaign for NeuroHope was launched, we've been turning heads locally about the need to address long-term treatment and wellness programs for people recovering from and living with traumatic injury in Indiana. I've shared our vision with healthcare executives, insurance leaders, politicians, and media outlets in an effort to help change the paradigm of neurologic recovery in the state.

miller chairOne of the individuals who has taken our story to heart is Senator Pat Miller (R-Indianapolis), who also chairs the bipartisan Senate Health and Service Providers Committee. We've been working closely with Senator Miller in an effort to amend a law, that if successful, can help fund specialized programs that offer long-term, activity-based therapy and wellness services. Indiana has a fantastic law already in place that helps fund neurologic resesarch. This amendment would let specialized programs be eligible to apply for grants from the exisiting fund as well.chris5

On Wednesday, I testified before the committee at the Indiana State Capitol. I shared my story, explained the void in care, and described how this bill has the potential to enhance the research it already funds and change the lives of those living with paralysis in the process.

IMG_2085The bill passed committee 11-0, and now will move to the Senate floor. First hurdle cleared!

UPDATE: On January 29th, the bill passed the Indiana Senate a resounding 47-0!  A clean bipartisan sweep!  This brings us halfway home.  In March, it will move to a committe for approval to send to the House of Representatives.

My testimony is posted below. The first half tells my personal recovery story, the second half explains the the potential of the bill.

Four and a half years ago I broke my neck in an accident and suffered a spinal cord injury that left me completely paralyzed from the neck down.  It may come as a surprise as you see me walk into this room, but after my accident doctors weren’t sure if I would ever re-gain any movement.  They prepared my family and me for the scenario that I might be a total quadriplegic for the rest of my life.

Initially (as I was going into surgery and trying to process that I was paralyzed) the only glimmer of comfort that I had, was knowing that I would receive the best standard of care.  Between Methodist, IU-Health, the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, and other hospitals, there are many fine facilities here in Indianapolis.  But, it soon became apparent that in spite of the care these facilities provide in the early stages of traumatic injury, there is a HUGE void they are unable to fill AFTER discharge, which often comes after a matter of weeks.  Insurance runs out quickly, no matter how great the plan.

I was discharged from the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana after 8 weeks.  I fought for and received two extra weeks due to the severity of my injury, and the early progress I was showing.   But, at discharge I was still completely paralyzed except for small movements in my fingers and right foot, and I left the hospital on a stretcher.  Many bodily-functions were not intact.  I didn’t have the ability to feed or bath myself.  I was still completely caregiver dependent.   Leaving the rehab hospital meant the daily physical and occupational therapy I had been receiving, and desperately needed to continue, had to stop.   I remember that being the single most devastating blow for me.  Incredibly, insurance would pay for a $50,000 blow-powered wheelchair, but extended therapy was denied.  All I could do was return for a limited number of outpatient therapy visits a few times per week, a total of 30, before they too expired.  I went to a nursing home instead.

My situation is not unique.  This is the way it is for everyone recovering from traumatic injury.  Neurologic injury takes months and sometimes years of intense rehabilitation to maximize recovery and a lifetime of maintenance.

Six months after my accident – still wheelchair bound – I was fortunate to travel to a specialty outpatient clinic in Utah formed precisely to help fill this need.   This facility not only provided long-term access to rehabilitation, but also had specialized resources and equipment for neurologic recovery that was not offered anywhere in Indiana.  My mother (who was my caregiver) and I were able to stay in a small apartment in Salt Lake City for nearly 2 years.  I spent 3 to 4 hours in rehab everyday, until I recovered to the point where I am today.  

Everyone will not be as fortunate in recovery as I was. Every spinal cord or brain injury is different.  But, everyone needs continued care after inpatient and outpatient visits expire.

Now, I’ve organized NeuroHope of Indiana, a 501 © 3 public charity dedicated to bring this patient-centric standard of care to Indiana, and to help put more injured individuals on a path toward recovery, independence, and a return to the workforce.

Senator Miller’s bill speaks to a very good law already in place in Indiana, and has the potential to greatly ENHANCE the research that it already funds. 

The current law regulates the Indiana Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Fund that was established in 2007.  This fund is a godsend.  The fact that our state recognizes the importance of addressing traumatic injury puts Indiana ahead of many others in a changing paradigm of neurologic research and recovery.

The fund receives about 1.5 million dollars per year from vehicle registrations.  Under the current law, this money can only be used for research purposes. Last year 9 researchers received grants for various projects, and this incredible work needs to continue.  Unused money in the fund rolls over to the next year. There is currently more than 4.5 million dollars available in the fund.  Senator Miller’s bill will continue to fund research programs.  However, it will also allow the board that administers the fund to consider grants for specialized long-term therapy PROGRAMS. 

These programs will INCREASE clinical research opportunities by potentially providing an ENVIRONMENT for research to take place, while treating patients in the process.  A sandbox can be created for educators, students and researchers.

The current 9-member board has been an outstanding steward of the fund.  They are experienced and well qualified to evaluate the grant applications to ensure that good stewardship continues.  The language in this bill helps ensure that only specialized programs would be eligible for application.

It’s an exciting time in neurologic research.  The last 12 months have seen breakthroughs in laboratories and therapy gyms around the world, and medical organizations are aggressively seeking funds to continue research that they hope may bring them closer to a cure.   Directly linked to that research is the need for an incredible amount of rehabilitative therapy that in the current health care system is difficult to receive.

The packets you have been provided show a model of this changing paradigm in neurologic recovery.  Today’s current model consists of only two stages: Inpatient stay followed by limited outpatient visits.  That’s it. 

The continuum of care should involve a 4-stage process.  We need a 3rd stage of extended rehabilitation and activity-based therapy that focuses on re-educating the nervous system, and we need a 4th stage of long-term health and wellness that is critically important for those of us living with disabilities.  This is an element that is just as important as the recovery stage, and cannot be overlooked.  Individuals less fortunate in their recovery need wellness programs in place to maintain their bodies and all the complications that come hand-in-hand with paralysis.  They need to prevent pressure sores, maintain muscle and bone integrity, and more, to promote their quality of life and keep them out of the health care system.  Programs like this are working in other communities – I’ve toured and met with the leaders of 7 of them – and they will work here as well.

Also in the packet, you will find the most recent report of the Indiana SCI and Brain Injury Fund and a description of the program.

Finally, the packet includes a report from the Utah Department of Health that shows the potential positive impact of this bill.  The state of Utah has set up a similar fund for therapy and treatment and has had great success in returning individuals to work and school, and improving their overall quality of life.   Some of the grants went to the unique facility that I attended, and to which I owe so much of my recovery.

The future of neurologic recovery relies on innovate research AND long-term programs for individuals outside the boundaries of traditional care.   This bill will put the board in position to address both.

 

 

https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/chris10.jpg 264 463 Chris Leeuw /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg Chris Leeuw2015-01-23 10:44:052015-01-30 20:20:24NeuroHope Bill to Fund Recovery Programs Passes Senate

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Sep 20

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It was an amazing 6th annual ”SWING FORE HOPE” presented by Valeo Financial!! Thank you to our sell-crowd of participants and sponsors that made year six a success at Ironwood Golf Club: All told $63,000 raised for our programs!!.

Thank you @hensleylegal @rehabmedicalinc @fourdayray Barnstown Bourbon, @jacksonfamilywines for a fantastic day raising funds for #paralysisrecovery 

And ALL of our hole and food sponsors that made happen! @goodmancampbellbrainandspine , @vonlehman , @conquerparalysisnow , @indy_biplanes
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Sep 14

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Team NeuroHope hosted a two-day seminar with @iuskillsonwheels for chair practice navigating ramps, curbs, obstacles, transfers and all around wheelchair skills.  Big thanks to the volunteers and the Skills on Wheels team for an awesome time ♿️💪!
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Sep 7

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Thanks to @indynowtv @fox59 for having Chris and NeuroHope patient James Ahlers in studio to talk about spinal cord injury recovery, NeuroHope’s growth and “Swing Fore Hope” - where James will be the 2023 “Grand Marshal”!

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Sep 5

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Tune in @indynowtv tomorrow morning at 10:00! 24-year-old James Ahlers and NeuroHope Executive Director Chris Leeuw will be on @fox59 to raise awareness for our programs!
Hear James’ story - paralyzed with a #spinalcordinjury in a swimming accident last summer - and his journey at NeuroHope. 💪💪.
#spinalcordinjury #neurorecovery #affordablerehab #nonprofit #keeppushing

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Sep 1

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We’re kicking off National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month with First Friday with Friends, featuring Health Coach and NeuroHope client Laura Burdick, MPH. Laura gave us amazing tips for making delicious healthy snacks and fueling our bodies with dense nutrients to promote healing and good health! We are so grateful for the supportive community here at NeuroHope! 

#healthcoaching #neurohope #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurofit #affordablerehab #hope #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #inspiring #beinspired #health #adaptivefitness  #firstfriday #spinalcordinjury #wellness #nationalspinalcordinjuryawarenessmonth b

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Aug 24

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Staff Highlight Video! Spotlight on Physical Therapist, Brittanie Howe!

Brittanie started her career aspirations with a Bachelor‘s degree in Biology and then moved on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Trine University. In graduate school, Brittanie found her passion for the neurologic population because of the complexity of the patients, needs and the amazing people within this population. Brittanie is LSVT certified, a treatment protocol to aid those with Parkinson’s disease.

In this video, Brittanie describes the supportive nature of the NeuroHope community and compares it to a family. Brittanie describes her goal-oriented approach to physical therapy with clients and how she is inspired by her client’s resiliency and positive energy. Check out Brittanie’s video here…

#spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurofit #affordablerehab #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #neurohope #hope #inspiring #beinspired #adaptivefitness #pathtoindependence #spinalcordinjury

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Aug 17

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Don't miss the EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION for our 6th Annual Swing "Fore" Hope Golf Scramble at Ironwood Golf Club on Monday, September 18th, 2023 presented by Valeo Financial!  Our teams are almost full! Join us with a foursome or sponsor a hole. Register here: https://neurohopewellness.networkforgood.com/events/57914-swing-fore-hope

We will kick off the event with a meet-and-greet with special guest, Indy 500 Champion Alexander Rossi. NeuroHope client James Ahlers will speak at our opening ceremony as Grand Marshal and Dalhia Goldstein from Country Summer will sing the National Anthem!

Enjoy an end-of-summer day at Ironwood Golf Club in Fishers. Your ticket covers breakfast, coffee from Lulu's Coffee & Bakehouse, bourbon cocktails and cigars by Bardstown Bourbon, lunch, beer from Four Day Ray, pizza dinner, and a full day of fun. Please help us reach our $50,000 goal to expand our programming!

Big thanks to our early-bird event sponsors: Hensley Legal Group, Rehab Medical, and Langdon Shaw Associates. 

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Aug 15

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Wooo Whooo!! James’s approval from a power chair to a manual chair got approved. This is a big step in his recovery journey! We are so happy for you, James! 

#neurohope #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurofit #affordablerehab #hope #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #inspiring #beinspired #adaptivefitness  #spinalcordinjury

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Aug 11

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Groundbreaking Day with @conquerparalysisnow and @sam.schmidt_ !  Excited to begin renovations on the 108,000 square foot facility : expanding our services for an affordable continuum of care for neurologic injuries .

Read about it in the Indianapolis Star! Link in bio!

#neurorecovery #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #affordablerehab #healthcare #indy #nonprofit #walkingafterspinalcordinjury #bethechange

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Aug 9

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🚨MAJOR NEWS!!🚨 Thrilled to announce a partnership with @sam.schmidt_ & @conquerparalysisnow as we begin renovations this fall for our FUTURE HOME! - the 108,000 square foot , former “Five Seasons Sports Club” on the northside of #Indianapolis !

This is a monumental step for the community as we take our shared mission of providing an affordable continuum of care for neurologic conditions to the next level.

1 in 4 people will experience a paralyzing condition (#stroke, #spinalcordinjury, #braininjury) in their lifetime.  These conditions often take months or years of intense rehabilitation to maximize recovery. 

Unfortunately, due to rising #healthcare costs, and limited insurance allowances, it is difficult for traditional healthcare providers to offer affordable access to  long-term care.

 The average stay in acute rehabilitation for patients has declined from 98 days in the 1970s to just 16 days in 2022.  Then, most insurance plans limit outpatient therapy to just to an average of just 28 days.

It’s a sad irony: As research and therapeutic innovation advances, access to resources declines.

 Since 2015, NeuroHope has worked tirelessly to fill this void in care in Indiana.  With support from @uindy , @uindy_kspt , the Indiana Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Fund, the @orthoindy Foundation, @reevefoundation @cicfoundation and many others , we have built a multidisciplinary #physicaltherapy, #occupationaltherapy, and adaptive wellness center that has helped hundreds of patients. 

The need for care has outgrown our 13,000 square foot gym.  We are honored to be working with CPN to create a continued care, and #adaptivefitness center unlike any other!

STAY TUNED!! #neurorecovery #nonprofit #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #walkingafterspinalcordinjury #socent #affordablerehab #neurohope @drivenlv

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Aug 4

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In March 2020 Renee had a heart attack and a stroke. After completing treatment at Community South and RHI, she came to NeuroHope in March of 2023 to continue her recovery journey with us. Renee works hard, engaging in both physical and occupational therapy. Check out Renee running on our Power Step with the support of PTA Lydia and Tech Lex. 

#neurohope #strokesurvivor #physicaltherapy #affordablerehab #hope #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #inspiring #beinspired #adaptivefitness  #cvarecovery #tgif #beyonce

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Jul 27

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Unveiling our new @bionessrehab BITS Balance training system - thanks to the generosity of an incredible donor!!
OT Elizabeth and PTA Lydia demonstrate how BITS combines vision, cognitive, motor, and balance tasks to challenge and assess patient strength , memory, and stability.  Our team can use this tool for posture and balance training, hand-eye coordination, vision re-training and much more.
It's all part of our continuing mission to make the best resources and interventions available to the patients that need them.
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Jul 25

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James taking a stroll on the @hocomamedical Lokomat. Like most insurance covered therapy - access to resources like this are typically limited to an average of 28 therapy visits before coverage is exhausted. 
The reality is - MUCH more time and access is needed to maximize recovery.
The great irony - at a time when breakthroughs in research and therapy interventions are being discovered, access to them is becoming increasingly limited.
Affordable, longer-term access is needed.
This is why we’re here!
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#neurorehab #affordablerehab #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #walkingafterspinalcordinjury

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Jul 21

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Longtime client Juan #tbi still making strides.  Sit to stand and ALL HIM 🙌. Long-term, affordable rehab.  This is why we’re here 💪💪

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Jul 17

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⛳️ EARLY-BIRD registration is ON for the 6th Annual Swing “Fore” Hope Golf Scramble benefiting NeuroHope, presented by Valeo Financial!  Monday, September 18 at Ironwood Golf Club in Fishers. Food, beer, prizes, bourbon tastings by @bardstownbourbonco and a day on the course. Early-bird prices until August 15!

Our goal: $50,000 campaign to expand our programming and spinal cord injury research. Sign up, sponsor, or spread the word! https://neurohopewellness.networkforgood.com/events/57914-swing-fore-hope

Thanks to our current sponsors: Langdon Shaw Associates, Inc., @hensleylegal and Rehab Medical. 

#neurohope #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurofit #affordablerehab #hope #hopetalks #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indyhealthcare #indy #inspiring #beinspired #healthcareheroes #adaptivefitness #pathtoindependence #spinalcordinjury#swingforehope #nonprofit #indygolf

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Jul 14

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Today is Disability Awareness Day and we’re shining the spotlight on one of NeuroHope’s caregiver/family members! 

Michele Green is the wife of NeuroHope client Steve Green. In this video, she shares her unique perspective as a family member and caregiver of someone who has suffered from a stroke that resulted in paralysis. 

Caregivers and support systems play a crucial role in a NeuroHope client’s recovery. Michele discusses how the NeuroHope team has supported and given her family hope during her husband’s recovery and rehabilitation. Listen to Michele’s insightful words here…

#neurohope #cva #neurofit #strokesurvivor #affordablerehab #hope #disabilityawareness #caregiver #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indyhealthcare #indy #inspiring #beinspired #adaptivefitness #disabilityawarenessday

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Jul 12

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🎉 We are so excited to welcome our new Wellness Coordinator Melissa “Mel” Spencer to the NeuroHope Team!

Mel comes to us from the University of Indianapolis and she is a certified Exercise Physiologist, working towards her masters in Exercise Science. Mel loves to run and spend time with her dog. We are so pumped to have her at NeuroHope!

#neurohope #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #wellness #neurofit #multifit #neuro#adaptivefitnessclasses #neurorecovery #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #hope #affordablerehab #adaptiveexercise

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Jul 11

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🎉 Thanks to the O’Bryant family for their generous donation of this stepper for our NeuroFit cardio classes! 

#neurohope #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurofit #affordablerehab #hope #sci #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indyhealthcare #indy #inspiring #healthcareheroes #adaptivefitness #pathtoindependence

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Jul 5

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This is Debbie, she suffered from a stroke almost two years ago. After maxing out on insurance benefits, Debbie came to NeuroHope to continue her therapy through our Guided Rehabilitative Exercise (self-pay) program. 

Debbie has been working hard and making progress towards her recovery goals since she began treatment at NeuroHope a year ago. We are all inspired by Debbie’s positive outlook. Debbie is an ambassador of hope and encouragement for our NeuroHope community. 

Check out Debbie’s improved coordination, balance, and strength on her affected side! Go Debbie! Keep up the great work! 

#affordablerehab #neurorecovery #cva #cvarecovery #hope #strokesurvivor#affordablehealthcare #beinspired

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Jul 3

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HUGE Congratulations to our Director of Therapy Elliot Cohee - a newly board certified :  Neurological Clinical Specialist (NCS)!!

It’s an honor that comes through years of experience, rigorous training , and devotion to understanding and treating neurologic conditions.

We can’t express how fortunate we are to have Elliot leading our clinical services.  His commitment to care is second to none.

Congratulations Elliot!!
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#physicaltherapy #neuroscience #neuropt #ncs #choosept #neurorecovery #neurologicaldisorder #neurological_rehabilitation #neurologicalphysicaltherapy

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Jun 29

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Client Highlight Video! NeuroHope client Sam Schultz sustained a brain injury from a 2016 mountain biking accident in Colorado.  

After 3 1/2 months of rehabilitation at Craig Hospital, Sam came home to Indiana in need of continued care. She first came to NeuroHope in 2018 and has been a regular in our gym ever since progressing from physical therapy, to personal training sessions and is now a workout warrior in our wellness program.

Sam inspires us all with her words: “Continue to grow. Do not give up. You can do it - You’ve  just got to do it.”  Sam has set big goals for herself and she shares how NeuroHope has helped better herself. Watch her story here:

#NeuroHope #neurofit #affordablerehab #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #hope #inspiring #beinspired #adaptivefitness #pathtoindependence #tbi #traumaticbraininjury #braininjuryrecovery
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