Left to Right: Margaret Butterly (Administrator), Bonnie Ainsworth (Activities Director), Bruce Kuluris (Regional Director of Operations).

CareMeridian, a leading provider of post acute healthcare alternatives, announced that its Phoenix facility was recognized by the Brain Injury Association of Arizona (BIAAZ), for helping to increase awareness during National Brain Injury Awareness Month in March.

Joining forces with several community partners to bring awareness throughout the month, the BIAAZ specifically recognized CareMeridian Phoenix for its significant contributions aimed at increasing understanding of brain injury and its impacts.

“CareMeridian displayed not only a great deal of creativity in their efforts, but also enthusiasm, energy and a commitment to help us meet our goals,” said Sonja Smith, BIAAZ Outreach Coordinator.

During the month, CareMeridian Phoenix raised $650 for the BIAAZ by selling awareness ribbons, sodas and snacks, and holding a “red-hot” raffle.  In addition, the facility set up a resource library for families and staff and had BIAAZ members speak at a family council meeting. Activities Director Bonnie Ainsworth received additional recognition for her individual contribution. Dressed as “Brainy the Clown,” Bonnie led a helmet safety class at the Boys and Girls Club of Phoenix.

On March 15, the BIAAZ made surprise visits to witness activities of its community partners. CareMeridian Phoenix was recognized for its creativity in creating blue ribbons and asking for donations from everyone visiting the facility that day.

Activities Director Bonnie Ainsworth as Brainy the Clown teaching helmet safety class.

CareMeridian entered the Arizona marketplace in 2009 with its 31-bed facility in Phoenix. CareMeridian’s interdisciplinary treatment team offers 24/7 service with a 4:1 patient to staff ratio, one of the highest in the Phoenix post acute market.  The team is comprised of physicians, nurses, case managers, social workers, therapists, activity directors and dietitians.

CareMeridian, a partner  of The MENTOR Network, provides cost-effective, sophisticated post acute care alternatives for catastrophically ill or injured patients of all ages.  With 16 facilities located throughout Northern, Central and Southern California, as well as in the Southwest locations of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Phoenix, Arizona, CareMeridian provides a unique service delivery model, merging the aesthetics of a residential environment within the framework of state-of-the-art technology and personalized service from an experienced and skilled health care team.

The MENTOR Network is a national network of local human services providers offering an array of quality, community-based services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain, spinal cord and other catastrophic injuries and illnesses and to youth with emotional, behavioral and medically complex challenges as well as their families in nearly 40 states. To learn more, visit www.thementornetwork.com.

The Brain Injury Association of Arizona helps individuals and families cope with a brain injury as well as helps them connect with providers who offer medical, legal and emotional support.  As the only statewide resource focused on all types of brain injuries, the Brain Injury Association offers the following services: links to a statewide network of support programs; toll free information and referral connecting survivors, families and professionals to appropriate resources; online directory of service providers in Arizona; peer support and mentoring; educational conferences, workshops and trainings; advocacy for needed legislation and public policy changes; and a variety of prevention programs.  For more information, visit www.biaaz.org

Contact:
Dan Larson
Chief Development Officer
314.440.4257
dlarson@caremeridian.com