MRC News

Methodist Rehabilitation Center names employees of the year

JACKSON, Miss.—Shirlene Allen, the nurse manager in the stroke program at Methodist Rehabilitation Center was named clinical employee of the year at the Jackson hospital’s recent recognition banquet.

Cynthia Kelly, who handles accounts payable, was named support services employee of the year.

Allen, of Jackson, attended the banquet as one of four finalists. Hearing her name called was an exciting moment, she said. “It is a great honor. There are a lot of deserving people who have won this award in the past and I feel that I’m in very good company,” Allen added.

Physically-challenged athletes celebrate 2002 Winter Paralympics with special viewing, demonstration

JACKSON, Miss.—When Josh Sharpe watches the Paralympic Winter Games on TV, he knows how the athletes feel.

Paralyzed in a car accident in 1994, the 26-year-old Jackson paraplegic just returned from snow skiing in Lake Tahoe. Whether it’s blazing down a slope on specialized skis or racing against other competitors with disabilities on his handcycle, Sharpe has never let his injury disable his spirit.

For Sharpe, competition is about more than winning, it’s about overcoming great odds and achieving personal goals.

Special Safe Families broadcast to focus on Methodist Rehab's injury prevention program

JACKSON, Miss.—Think First, Methodist Rehabilitation Center’s safety and injury prevention program will be featured in a Safe Families broadcast airing on WJTV Newschannel 12 from 7-8 p.m. on Sunday, March 17.

WJTV anchor Melanie Christopher will talk to Think First director Lauren Fairburn about the injury prevention programs Methodist Rehab sponsors in Mississippi schools.

Physician reminds students, families to play it safe during spring break

JACKSON, Miss.—Methodist Rehabilitation Center urges students and families to think first about safety and injury prevention during the spring break holiday.

Dr. Rahul Vohra, Methodist Rehab’s medical director, recommends taking certain precautions when traveling, especially when traveling out of the country.

“People need to be extra cautious about improperly cooked food, contaminated drinking water and they need to make sure to carry prescription medications with them,” said Dr. Vohra. “They should also have plenty of bottled water and high protein snacks.”

Quad rugby gives players discipline, self confidence

JACKSON, Miss.—Jackson’s own quad rugby team wrapped up another successful season finishing sixth in the Atlantic South Regional tournament held in Valdosta, Ga.

The Jackson Jags, consisting of athletes from all over Mississippi and Louisiana, are sponsored by Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Jackson.

For the first time, a Jags member was awarded all-tournament honors. Wiley Clark of Moss Point earned the distinction in his fifth appearance in the regional tournament.

Volunteer to receive Governor's award for volunteer excellence

JACKSON, Miss.—Noel Guthrie Jr., a volunteer at Methodist Rehabilitation Center, has been named a 2002 recipient of the Governor’s Initiative for Volunteer Excellence (GIVE) award. The Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Services sponsors the award.

For the past 10 years, extraordinary Mississippians have been honored in categories of volunteerism by the GIVE awards. Guthrie, who will receive the award for service to Mississippi’s disabled, will be recognized along with the other category recipients at a March 27 luncheon.

Man, best friend to benefit from Methodist Rehabilitation Center donation

JACKSON, Miss.—A Jackson hospital is encouraging Mississippians to support an organization that raises and trains dogs to assist the disabled.

Methodist Rehabilitation Center will present a $2,500 bone-shaped check to the Florida-based Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. in the hospital’s two story Atrium Mall. That money and other donations made by Mississippians ranging from $250 to $5,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation.

Neuropsychologist joins editorial board of national publication

JACKSON—Dr. Mark Sherer, director of the neuropsychology department at Methodist Rehabilitation Center has been named to the editorial board of the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation (JHTR).

The peer-reviewed publication provides information to physicians and others who are involved in clinical management and rehabilitation of those with head injuries.

“It’s quite an honor to become a part of this board,” said Dr. Sherer. “Anytime you’re asked to be a part of something like this, it shows that you are truly recognized in brain injury and rehabilitation.”

Methodist Rehabilitation Center facility manager named to International Fire Code Committee

JACKSON, Miss.—Dennis Cagle, facility manager at Methodist Rehabilitation Center, has been appointed by the board of directors of the International Code Council to a one-year term on the International Fire Code Committee.

IFC members are responsible for providing leadership and direction on matters of fire and life safety to meet government, industry and public needs. The board of 16 from around the U.S. makes recommendations on fire codes throughout the world.

Methodist Rehabilitation Center dietician urges Mississippians to fight obesity, prevent serious diseases

JACKSON, Miss.—Southerners—and Mississippians in particular—love to eat. But if not controlled or prevented, obesity can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mississippians have the highest occurrence of obesity in the U.S.

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