For Immediate Release
June 29, 2007
Contact: Laura Buffum
732-751-7537
lbuffum@meridianhealth.com

SHORE REHABILITATION INSTITUTE CELEBRATED 12TH BIRTHDAY

Brick, NJ - Shore Rehabilitation Institute (SRI), a joint partnership between Meridian Health and JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, celebrated their twelfth year of dedicated care on Thursday, June 21, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at their facility in Ocean Medical Center, 425 Jack Martin Blvd. in Brick. About 200 patients from the previous year attended with their families and friends and enjoyed food and fun.

"The birthday party is a great event because not only does it give our past patients an opportunity to show how far they've come, it gives hope to our current patients, and boosts employee morale. There is no greater feeling then seeing a patient who came here unable to walk, unable to speak, walking over and talking to their nurses and therapists," explained Sandra Clemento, executive director of SRI.

For over a decade, SRI has helped more than 10,500 physically disabled adults return to their personal level of optimal functioning and independence through rehabilitative care. "We all enjoy the birthday party so much. The past patients come dressed up with jewelry and make up on. It is so wonderful to see them and know that they are truly living their lives, despite their disabilities" added Sandra.

SRI offers an experienced and energetic team of professionals who help their patients achieve their highest possible level of function. This multi-disciplinary team provides a full continuum of rehabilitation care while individualizing treatment plans are based on each patient?s unique needs.

"I think the reason our patients are so glad to come back is because of the great experience we offer at SRI. For example, we have a kitchen, bedroom, and car which simulate real activities. If you can teach a person to get in and out of a car, they can take a cab places and remain independent," explained Sandra.

For more information about Shore Rehabilitation Institute, a member of the Meridian Health family, please call the Meridian Health Line at 1-800-560-9990.

About Ocean Medical Center
Ocean Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health family, is a 281-bed non-profit community hospital located in Brick New Jersey, providing health care programs and services in all major medical disciplines, including maternity; oncology; orthopedics and rehabilitation; general, neurological, thoracic, and vascular surgery; cardiology; dialysis; and emergency and critical care services. The Medical Center features Magnet award winning nurses and is a proud affiliate of University of Pennsylvania Cancer Network. Ocean Medical Center also operates the state's first Satellite Emergency Department in Point Pleasant, the Ocean Care Center. For more information, please call Meridian Health Line at 1-800-560-9990 or log on to our web site at www.meridianhealth.com.

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