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January 7, 2008
Good Shepherd Receives Top Designation from National MS Society

Allentown—The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has designated Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network of Allentown, Pa., as a Center for the Promotion of Excellence in Long-term Care.

Just three other facilities in the United States have received this designation, which was established in 2007 to recognize facilities and community-based programs that see addressing the long-term care needs of people with MS as an integral part of their mission.

"We are thrilled that the National MS Society has recognized our program for people living with MS," said Fran Iannaccone, BS, CRRN, Good Shepherd's director of nursing. "Living well in spite of MS demands perseverance, adaptation and innovation, and we're proud to work with residents to help them accomplish their goals."

Good Shepherd's Multiple Sclerosis Program is a comprehensive and individually tailored system of rehabilitative services designed to enhance clients' mobility, help them more easily complete daily living activities and improve their emotional and physical well-being. Its unique biweekly MS Wellness Program offers activities such as yoga, expressive arts and crafts, recreational activities and educational resources for people with MS, while its MS Day Hospital offers intensive rehabilitation activities while allowing clients to live at home.

"Good Shepherd is certainly an important partner to the Society," said Dorothy E. Northrop, MSW, ACSW, the Society's associate vice president of clinical programs. "Good Shepherd is an exemplary service provider, and we were very impressed with its specialized programming for MS."

The Society evaluates applicants in a number of areas, including specialized programming, accreditation/licensure, expertise in MS, collaboration with the National MS Society and commitment to MS care. The goal is to recruit specialized MS providers around the country to take on a leadership role in terms of programming, staffing, training, research and advocacy.