The PCCF Bosien Fund also enabled Jamie Cehlar, DPT, physical therapist with St. Luke’s Hospital’s Outpatient Rehabilitation, to obtain certification in vestibular rehabilitation through Emory University, a leader in vestibular rehabilitation research. She attended training with 166 other students from around the world. This entirely evidenced-based program has enhanced our therapists’ skills in vestibular deficits, gait and balance, fall risk, and the functional assessment of patients. With a large population of elderly patients in Polk County and the surrounding areas, balance, dizziness and related falls are a major concern at St. Luke’s.

Scott McDermott, director of rehabilitation services at St. Luke’s Hospital, stated, “Our community did not have a functioning vestibular rehabilitation program. Patients had to travel 30-40 miles on a regular basis to receive vestibular treatment in Asheville or Spartanburg. Attendance at this training has enabled St. Luke’s physical therapy department to build upon our existing balance program and enhance it to include vestibular conditions. This training will enable St. Luke’s to offer an entirely new service to the community. We are excited about this program and very thankful to the Polk County Community Foundation for their support.”

The mission of PCCF is to “Support charitable and beneficial activities in the community; Provide and administer a variety of planned giving programs; Serve as responsible stewards of all funds entrusted to it;” and “Provide initiatives in recognizing areas of community needs and supporting solutions.”

The mission of St. Luke’s Hospital is to “improve the health of the residents of Polk County and surrounding communities by providing individualized care that is of the highest quality, cost-effective, and centered on the needs of the community.”

St. Luke’s provides vital services to the community and works diligently to keep our staff informed and current on healthcare developments that might impact the well-being of our patients or our community.  For 84 years, we have focused on providing exceptional care close to home.

– article submitted by Jennifer Wilson