GoTHERAPY in partnership with the Stroke Association Support Network–Ghana helped stroke survivors gain access to quality rehabilitation services through the Stroke Community Re-Integration Program (SCRIP) held at the Saviour Memorial Hospital in Oseim.
GOTHERAPY, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve individuals living with disabilities and chronic illness access to quality occupational, physical and speech therapy services. In collaboration with the Stroke Association Support Network — Ghana, a stroke advocacy and awareness organization and Savior Memorial Hospital, they hosted the Stroke Community Re-Integration Program (SCRIP) in Oseim from September 3–21, 2018.
The aim of the Stroke Community Re-Integration Program (SCRIP) is to strengthen stroke survivors access to quality rehabilitation services and increase stroke awareness and prevention education by utilizing a community-based model. For stroke survivors in Oseim and surrounding areas, Regional Hospital, Koforidua, is the closest location to access rehabilitation services. Cost, inaccessible environments and transportation are some of the challenges survivors face when seeking therapy services.
Through SCRIP, over 50 stroke survivors and community members at risk for stroke received intensive occupational and physical therapy services within their community and homes. GoTHERAPY rendered over $10,000 in pro bono occupational and physical therapy and community nursing services. After 3 weeks of therapy, survivors demonstrated improvements in balance, coordination, and activities of daily living. In addition, 100 % of SCRIP participants experienced a decrease in their blood pressure. Overall, participants exhibited an average of 19.61% mmHG decrease in their systolic blood pressure and 17.92 % decrease in diastolic blood pressure. Francis, a SCRIP participant reported, “My (blood) pressure is under much better control now and I can walk to church without being as fearful of falling.”
Executive Director of GoTHERAPY, Robin F. Baker reports, “There is life after stroke and rehabilitation services is an imperative part of survivors recovery. Stroke survivors throughout Ghana need access to quality occupational, physical and speech therapy services to regain independence and improve their overall quality of life. “
Media Features
Modern Ghana — GoTHERAPY, Stroke Association Support Network Assists 50 Stroke Survivors
Business Ghana — SASNET and GoTHERAPY offer rehabilitation services to stroke survivors
Special Thank You to our sponsors and strategic partners:
Ona Data
Stroke Association Support Network — Ghana
Ministry of Health, Ghana
Ghana — Noncommunicable Disease Alliance
Savior Memorial Hospital