The National Rehabilitation Hospital – one of the nation’s top ten rehabilitation hospitals – is now one of just 14 model Spinal Cord Injury systems in the United States.

Through this highly competitive five-year grant, awarded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, NRH has established the National Capital Spinal Cord Injury Model System (NCSCIMS) – with research, treatment and training components that together are developing critical improvements in SCI rehabilitation and a new system of integrated care – from the onset of illness or injury through patients’ successful return to the community. 

The NCSCIMS is breaking new ground in SCI rehabilitation through a number of innovative research projects aimed at improving quality of life for people with SCI including:

• A one-of-a-kind practice-based-study in the prevention of pressure ulcers – the most common secondary condition in people with SCI
• A unique demonstration SCI Navigator project that combines peer mentoring with patient navigation to help people with newly acquired spinal cord injuries transition from inpatient rehab to the community and navigate the complex health care system during their first year after injury.
• A critical knowledge transfer project to educate both providers and patients and quickly translate research discoveries into practice.

The model system designation enhances NRH’s already highly regarded program for spinal cord injury/disease, which is unique – and the busiest in the region.  As a premier academic, research and rehabilitative care center, NRH offers:

 - Evaluation – and in some cases early therapy – in the acute stage of illness and injury
 - Comprehensive inpatient rehab in a team approach by a cadre of SCI specialists
 - An innovative day treatment program
 - Outpatient services including Seating and Mobility,  Spasticity, Wound Care, and Fertility Clinics
 - Access to community-based sports and recreation programs through NRH BlazeSports Club, sponsored by U.S. Disabled Athletes Fund and the National Recreation and Parks Association
 - State-of-the-art therapeutic techniques, including use of the robotic-assisted therapy, functional electrical stimulation (FES), and activity based rehabilitation

For more information about NRH's integrated SCI Program visit nrhrehab.org or call:
NRH Inpatient Admissions: 202.877.1152
NRH SCI Transitions Day Treatment Program: 202.877.1945
NRH Regional Rehab at Irving Street, Comprehensive Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation Center 202.877.1760