The Carmi Rotary club welcomed Mary Smith from Wabash Christian Therapy and Medical Clinic as their guest on Thursday.
Mary told the Rotarians that the past 18 months have been quite an experience at WCTMC, having formed partnerships with Hamilton Memorial Hospital and Wabash General Hospital to provide the Carmi area with quality care closer to home. They moved into the expanded facility on Oak Street in Carmi, and now are able to offer more programs and a medical clinic, which is staffed with a nurse practitioner Monday through Friday.
The therapy side of the operation can handle almost any type of physical therapy, either before, after, or instead of surgery. They also deal with pain and wound management, stroke recovery, back pain, sport’s injuries, and a host of other medical issues. Mary commented that her youngest patient has been an 18 month old infant, and her oldest was a 105 year old lady, so she stressed that age is not a factor!
Mary told the club that everyone in her field has a story of “that” patient that will be in their mind forever. For her, it was a lady in her 60’s that wanted to be able to walk down the basement steps in to her church so she could attend Sunday school again. This was the patient’s goal, which became the goal of the staff as well.
On her first visit, this lady could not climb four simple steps because her balance was so bad. After spending time with the lady, Mary discovered that the patient had a history of ear problems, including dizziness and light headedness.
The next day the occupational team evaluated the patient and noted that she did have problems with her vestibular system, and that she would see a benefit from occupational therapy.
Within 3 weeks this woman was able to walk, by herself, into the basement of her church and return to her Sunday school class she loved so much.
Wabash Christian Therapy and Medical Clinic is located at 1112 Oak Street, and is ope Monday through Friday from 8:00am through 6:00pm.
In club business, President Tom Logan reminded the Rotarians that the big event for the fall; the fall trivia contest, will be held on Saturday, November 7th at the American Legion in Carmi. The contest will start at 6:00pm and should wrap up around 8:00. Teams need to be made of four members, and the $40 entry fee can be paid at the door.
The club also discussed another fall fundraiser, which will be held on Friday, November 20th at the American Legion. That night, the Rotary club will be serving up chili and all the fixin’s for six dollars per person. More information will be announced soon on this event.
Helen Sexton won the 50/50 drawing, and for the third straight week, the winner managed to pull the winning ball from the can, claiming the day’s cash prize.
Dwain Harrelson named Dale Peters as the day’s phantom.
The Carmi Rotary club meets every Thursday at noon at the First United Methodist Church in Carmi. Anyone wishing to learn more about this worldwide civic club is more than welcome to attend a meeting or speak with any Carmi Rotarian.
