Clinical Connection News, Updates and Support for Healthcare Professionals
R E H A B I L I TAT I O N • D E V E L O P M E N TA L M E D I C I N E • B E H A V I O R A L T H E R A P I E S
Dear Friend, I hope this letter finds you well. We who work in the healthcare field have faced challenges the likes of which we’ve not previously encountered in our lifespans. You’ve probably worked harder— and differently, with each week bringing you and your colleagues new challenges. But we’ve also learned, collectively, that even in the most trying times, we can achieve incredible things—especially when we work together (even if it’s over Zoom). At Kennedy Krieger Institute, we responded to the pandemic with one singular focus: to continue providing excellent care and education to our patients and students, and their families. We expanded our telehealth services to more than 5,000 appointments and sessions a week while continuing to serve patients in need of on-site care—in our inpatient rehabilitation hospital and outpatient centers. We’ve maintained our collaborations with committed professionals like you. And this past spring, we began welcoming our students back into our classrooms, with appropriate protocols, of course. On three Sundays in May and June, Kennedy Krieger offered COVID-19 vaccinations to individuals with intellectual and other disabilities and their caregivers. Dozens of Institute staff members volunteered their time to ensure the success of these drive-through vaccination clinics. Because of their disabilities, many of the individuals we vaccinated weren’t able to be vaccinated in the community. Their and their family members’ gratitude for our efforts was heartfelt and apparent. Watching our team in action, I was again reminded of how honored I am to be a part of this amazing team. The stories in this edition of Potential magazine are examples of that teamwork. Despite all the challenges presented by the pandemic, the patients, students, families, teachers, clinicians and others featured in these stories were able to achieve some truly remarkable things. Thank you for all you do for your patients and their families. We could not do what we do without you. Stay safe and be well,
Bradley L. Schlaggar, MD, PhD President and CEO
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
• Kennedy Krieger Opens New High-Tech Evaluation Unit for Epilepsy Treatment • New Spinal Cord Injury Gym Location Opens • EEG and Sleep Study Capabilities at Kennedy Krieger
REFERRING YOUR PATIENTS To support the needs of physicians and other healthcare professionals, our Patient Access team is available to provide information on appropriate clinical programs, handle referrals, obtain consultations with Institute specialists, and schedule both telehealth and on-site, in-person appointments for patients and families. Call 443-923-9403 to reach our Physician Referral Line, or visit KennedyKrieger.org/Referrals for information and resources for physicians and healthcare professionals. For general information, visit KennedyKrieger.org or call 1-888-554-2080. OUR CULTURE OF CARE
Kennedy Krieger Institute recognizes and respects the rights of employees, trainees, and patients and students, and their families. At Kennedy Krieger, we ground our care, services, training and research in treating others with respect and civility. We respect the cultural identity of every person. Kennedy Krieger does not discriminate against people based on, but not limited to, perceived or actual race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, language spoken, accent, marital status, veteran or military status, immigration status, disability, religion, pregnancy status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. We strive for equitable care for all individuals for whom we provide services, training, education and research participation. We encourage employees, trainees, and patients and students, and their families, to become active partners in the services provided by asking questions, seeking resources and advocating for their needs. © 2021 Kennedy Krieger Institute 7/2021