United Spinal
Update
Things have been happening with the Northeast Ohio Chapter of United Spinal Association. In case you don’t know about this chapter, here is some background information first. United Spinal Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of those with spinal cord injuries and/or disease (SCI/D). United Spinal Chapters are self-dependent organizations that share the goals of United Spinal Association and support them within a specified geographical region. There are 50 chapters located in 31 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. Their programs include the Vets First program, peer mentoring, Support groups, Public Policy Advocacy, New Mobility Magazine, and their Resource center. All these programs are available to members, free of charge.
United Spinal often has webinars on topics such as public policy, relationships after SCI, air travel, and recreational activities. Members are sent e-mails about upcoming webinars. Make sure you sign up at unitedspinal.org to see what webinar is coming up and a list of past (archived) webinars that you can listen to!
All the chapters have different missions, however, like mentioned above, we all are dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with SCI/D. The Northeast Ohio Chapter operates out of the Old Brooklyn Campus (Room T-65) of MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland and serves all of Northeast Ohio. Our mission is education and recreation for individuals with spinal cord injuries and related diseases. Chapter meetings are the third Monday of every month (except December) at 6:30 PM.
Monthly Chapter meetings focus on teaching SCI members on how to live, function and manage their injury. Outside the Chapter meeting we strive to get members actively involved in the community. We attend sporting events, the Cleveland Broadway Series, sponsor members in the Cleveland Marathon and many other events. We have hand cycles and other equipment to lend. We also run an equipment recycling program and have many donated pieces of used equipment free for our members.
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