Scottsbluff, NE - The public is invited to an open house at Regional West’s Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) on September 24, as the ARU staff and patients celebrate National Rehab Week, incorporating the 2009 national theme of, “The Faces of Triumph over disability.” The open house is from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the ARU unit, located on the 4th floor of Regional West Medical Center.

During the open house, the newest photograph to grace the ARU Wall of Fame will be unveiled. John Flint suffered a traumatic accident in June of 2008, which necessitated the amputation of his right leg six inches below his knee. Flint spent a month on the ARU, learning how to adapt to his amputation and his prosthesis while recovering from his accident. Flint says he was determined to have a positive attitude, and recovered—with a mission to help others by volunteering his time to assist other amputee patients on the unit.

“It’s so rewarding talking to people who are going through the same things that I was just a year ago,” he said. “I tell them that it’s a journey of self-discovery—you find strength you didn’t know you had. That’s what I want to share.”

Refreshments will be served during the open house, and the ARU staff will also provide free blood pressure checks and stroke screening. The public is encouraged to stop by for education on this health condition, and receive a free medication and blood pressure card.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,800 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, we offer care that spans more than 30 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state of Nebraska.