Idaho Elks Rehab donates $20,000 to Bonner General
(Courtesy photo) Pictured in back, from left, are David Tatlock, Sandpoint Elks 1376 Exalted Ruler 2016/2017; Linda Tatlock, Idaho State Elks Association trustee; Bob Shaw, Idaho Elks Rehab Chairman; Larry Enright, Sandpoint Elks 1376 Exalted Ruler 2017/2018; and Becky Stone, Sandpoint Elks 1376 grant coordinator. Pictured in front, from left, are Bonner General Health Cardiac Rehabilitation registered nurses Gretchen Aleto, Jenni Robinson, Lori Morris and Liz Stoddart.
Idaho Elks Rehab, the state major project of the Idaho State Elks Association, has donated $20,000 to Bonner General Health. The association provides funding to nonprofit rehab providers, local community groups, and universities in Idaho to help improve the lives of Idahoans.
The Idaho State Elks Association began its charitable work with rehab patients in 1947 when it established a convalescent home for children with polio. That effort grew into a premier rehab system. In 2014, the Idaho Elks transitioned away from operating a rehab system to a philanthropic endeavor that focuses on providing financial support for rehab programs and projects across the Gem State. Grants are used for equipment, staff training and education, program development, research, and local projects that enhance the lives of rehab patients in Idaho.
In 2017, the Elks donated $10,000 to Bonner General Health’s oncology rehabilitation program at Performance Therapy Services. This grant was used to purchase a Biostep recumbent elliptical machine and a wall-mounted double pulley machine for therapy treatments for cancer patients. Oncology rehabilitation allows cancer patients to manage and recover from cancer treatments. Patients are able to tolerate the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy better while improving mobility and strength. They experience decreased pain, and ultimately an improved quality of life, according to hospital officials in a press release.
This year, the Idaho Elks Rehab program has donated $10,000 to the cardiac rehabilitation program at Bonner General Health. This grant was used to purchase a treadmill and a Biostep recumbent elliptical machine for the exercise component of the program. The cardiac rehab program is for individuals who have had bypass surgery, a stent, a heart attack, stable angina or congestive heart failure. Supervised by a staff of registered nurses, this program is designed to speed recovery and return individuals to a full and productive life.
Michelle Tucker, Bonner General Health rehabilitation director, thanked the idaho elks rehab program for awarding the cardiac rehab and oncology rehab programs at Performance Therapy Services the two generous grants over the past two years.
The grants assisted in the expansion of the two programs through the purchase of much-needed equipment, she said, adding that the expanded programs allow the hospital to provide best practice services to a larger number of patients in our local area.
“We are so appreciative and thankful for their ongoing support,” she said. “It has made a difference for our patients.”
For more information on cancer rehabilitation therapy, go to BonnerGeneral.org/Cancer-Therapy or call 208-255-3676.
For more information about the cardiac rehabilitation program go to BonnerGeneral.org/cardiac-rehabilitation or call 208-265-7480.