Mayo Regional Hospital - Physically Challenged Club

What is it?

Started in 1988, the Physically Challenged Club is an all-volunteer collaboration between Mayo Regional Hospital and the local YMCA, designed to provide an opportunity for the chronically disabled to continue rehabilitation after their insurance benefits have ended. Club members use the YMCA pool each Monday and the fitness room on Wednesdays, under supervision of a physical therapist and trained volunteers.

Who is it for?

Chronically disabled children and adults whose insurance benefits for physical therapy have reached the maximum benefit set by the insurer.

Why do they do it?

Typically, if people suffer devastating injuries or strokes, their insurance coverage will cover physical therapy for a specific period of time. Once that time expires, patients may still need therapy but cannot afford to pay for it themselves.

Impact

The club has 115 to 120 members, of which 65 to 75 are involved regularly on a weekly basis. About a dozen community volunteers help club members with personal care and exercise. The Physically Challenged Club was honored by the Maine Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in 2002 and by the AHA as a runner-up for the HAVE Award in 2003.

Contact: Tom Lizotte
Public Relations Director
Telephone: 207-564-4342
E-mail: tlizotte@mayohospital.com