Our program featured Gloria Pugliese from the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network. The history of Good Shepherd in the Lehigh Valley dates to 1908 when Rev. John “Papa” Raker opened what he hoped would be a home for the needy. Today the organization has become the area’s premiere medical rehabilitation network. Their mission is to enhance lives, maximize function, inspire hope and promote dignity and well-being with expertise, innovative care and compassion.
Their Allentown facility provides inpatient and outpatient services and is one of only two facilities in Pennsylvania to offer long term care to young adults. Specialized programs are offered in stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and pediatric rehabilitation. They are one of four organizations internationally named a “Center for Robotic Excellence” by Ekso Bionics who is a leader in the field of exoskeleton technology. A partnership with Moravian University utilizes the school’s 3D printing center to produce wearable devices to help patients manage everyday tasks.
The big news is the building of a 76 private room rehabilitation hospital in Center Valley. Construction is underway and the facility is scheduled to open in 2023. The hospital is located across the street from the Promenade Shops. The spacious grounds will allow for outdoor therapy and activity gardens where real world experiences will be created allowing patients to traverse different terrains, explore adaptive gardening techniques, and enjoy recreational activities. The existing Allentown site will be repurposed and may serve as apartments or an assisted living facility.