Dave Odenbach, clinic director and occupational therapist, MedStar NRH Outpatient Center in Washington, DC, and patient Donna Stewart, of Upper Marlboro, Md, practice transfers in and out of the therapy vehicle in an effort to help her regain her independence. (Photo courtesy of Business Wire)
GEICO announces it has recently donated a 2015 Volkswagen Passat to MedStar National Rehabilitation Network (MedStar NRH), to be used as a therapy vehicle.
According to the announcement, the Passat was modified to be a stationary vehicle designed to help patients recovering from a variety of disabling injuries and illnesses, such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord and orthopaedic injuries, learn to safely transfer in and out of a car. It will also be used during MedStar NRH Driver’s Education Program’s evaluation process of those wishing to obtain a driver’s license.
In both cases, patients are assisted by MedStar NRH’s occupational therapists, the release notes.
“This generous gift helps our patients relearn skills that promote improved motor function and independence, and those skills learned in the hospital setting are immediately transferrable in a community setting,” says John Rockwood, president, MedStar National Rehabilitation Network, and senior vice president, MedStar Health, in the release.
“Volkswagen is proud to support MedStar NRH and its endeavors to help patients who have overcome incredible circumstances regain the autonomy of entering and egressing from a vehicle, as well as relearn driving skills,” says Machelle Williams, general manager, Diversity & Corporate Social Responsibility, Volkswagen Group of America Inc, in the release.
Greg Kalinsky, GEICO senior vice president and a member of the MedStar NRH board of directors, notes in the release that the benefits that MedStar NRH achieves on behalf of patients are remarkable.
“They can and have enriched the lives of many and we are pleased that we can support their breakthroughs,” he adds.
[Source(s): GEICO, Business Wire]
