Officials cut a ribbon marking the opening of The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Franciscan Alliance comprehensive outpatient therapy clinic, located at the Franciscan Physician Network-St. John Health Center, 10860 Maple Lane. The clinic, which is the only one of its kind in Northwest Indiana, will begin seeing patients in early February and focus on the treatment of functional impairments related to neurological deficits caused by such diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, brain injuries or the aftereffects of a stroke.
It also will treat amputees and patients having other impairments, due to work-related injuries that require multiple therapies (physical, outpatient and speech therapy).
Gene Diamond, left, chief executive officer of the Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region, who presided over a blessing and dedication ceremony Jan. 30, asked God to watch over the clinic’s staff, patients and their family members, adding the treatment offered there “will help patients gain back what was lost during unfortunate incidents in their lives.”
Also shown are David Ruskowski, center, president of Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point; and Christine Deleo, RIC vice president of operations. In the background, from left, are the Rev. Anthony Janik, Franciscan St. Anthony Health spiritual services director, who presided over a prayer service and blessed each room of the facility; Thomas Gryzbek, president of Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer and Hammond; and Barbara Gulden, vice president of the St. John Chamber of Commerce, who welcomed the clinic to the town.