GoTHERAPY and the Shai Osudoku District open the first community occupational therapy center in Ghana to serve adults living with chronic health conditions and children with disabilities.
GOTHERAPY, is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to improve individuals living with chronic health conditions access to quality occupational, physical, and speech therapy services. In October 2019, GoTHERAPY collaborated with the Shai Osudoku Community Occupational Therapy Unit, a division of the Shai Osudoku District to host the second annual Stroke Community Re-Integration Program (SCRIP).
The aim of the Stroke Community Re-Integration Program (SCRIP) is to improve stroke survivors’ access to quality community-based occupational and physical therapy services, increase multi-disciplinary community health monitoring, and organize social inclusion activities. In preparation for the 8-week program, GoTHERAPY transformed an old pharmacy warehouse into a functional space to provide therapy services. Twenty-one stroke survivors participated in SCRIP and 300+ occupational and physical therapy encounters were completed with survivors demonstrating improvements in their daily activities and ambulation. Stroke survivors also demonstrated a 76% reduction in their blood pressure and 100% of SCRIP participants reported improvements in their mood based on the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale. Through SCRIP, over $15,000 in pro bono rehabilitation and community health services were rendered to stroke survivors in the Shai Osudoku District.
Stroke survivor, Noah Nabana, reports, “Before therapy, I wasn’t able to do anything at all — but now, I’m able to do some things. I can now care for myself and move around my community better.”
To continue to meet the growing needs of stroke survivors, such as Mr. Noah, GoTHERAPY and the Shai Osudoku District, under the leadership of Rev. Ebenezer Asiamah, collaborated to fully renovate the pharmacy warehouse and transform it into the Shai Osudoku Community Occupational Therapy Center.
To do so, this former warehouse was fully renovated to repair structural damages and equip the space with electricity, ventilation, a restroom, and accessible entrances. Community Occupational Therapist, Daniela Korletey reports, “This center will allow us to equip children and adults with disabilities with the skills needed to engage in meaningful and purposeful daily activities. We will also have the capacity to broaden our impact and organize community programs for the elderly, mothers of children with special needs, and persons living with chronic diseases in the district.”
GoTHERAPY would like to thank Flint Rehab and the men and women who graciously donated towards the renovation of the Shai Osudoku Community Occupational Therapy Center. Due to your generous donations, children and adults with disabilities will be able to receive quality community health services for years to come.
Thank you.
