|
For more than 50 years, Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital has
been providing rehabilitation services to people throughout the
region. A long history of responding to the special needs of the
community began in 1947. The hospital was established to offer convalescent
care for children recovering from polio, as a major state project
of the Idaho State Elks Association. Since then, it has become a
premiere hospital providing comprehensive rehabilitation with programmatic
care for optimal outcomes.
A new state-of-the-art facility was dedicated in May 2001 to serve
the growing community, offering new inpatient and outpatient programs
and services. As the hospital has grown over the years, the mission
remains the same. Dedicated doctors, nurses, therapists, social
workers, and staff continue to give people the opportunity to live
life to its fullest.
More IERH History
In 1941, the Idaho State Elks Association authorized the establishment
of the “Idaho State Elks Convalescent Home for Children”
as its major state project. The purpose was to offer convalescent
care for crippled children who had undergone surgery. The opening
was delayed because of World War II and the lack of materials to
remodel the old “Collister Home,” in Boise.
During 1947, a poliomyelitis outbreak necessitated the Elks opening
the Home to patients long before it was ready. Many Elks and their
wives rallied to the call and completed the renovation and furnishing
of the Home in time to make the first 14 beds available to patients
on August 28, 1947. There were soon 45 patients in the main building
and more room was needed. The Elks Association again came to the
front and had three wooden barrack buildings placed on the grounds
to take care of the additional patients.
During the early years, the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis
played a tremendous role in the successful operation of the Home,
with their contribution for patient care in money and equipment.
The name changed to the “Elks Rehabilitation Center” as
all types of therapy were being provided to patients with other
crippling conditions, as well as therapy to adults when beds were
available.
Ten years later, in 1957, the Elks built a new Center on Fort Street,
dedicated on October 19, 1957.
In addition to the Elks contributions for patient care, many other
agencies and companies contributed to the cost associated with the
operation of the hospital. Every Elks Lodge in Idaho has contributed
to the building through its $10.00 per member contributions. Building
costs were matched from the Federal Hill-Burton Hospital Fund. As
the need for more programs and space became apparent, additions
were made to the original one-story hospital that cost almost as
much as the original building, $600,000.00.
On May 5, 2001, a new facility was dedicated with the same purpose:
to provide care for those in need of rehabilitation. With the new
hospital, dedicated doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers,
and staff are performing superior service for more patients each
year. The Elks of Idaho take great pride in their major project,
as they continue their contribution to the cause, in “thought,
work and deed.”
top
|
