Sister Kenny, Courage Center to merge
Two Minnesota giants in medical rehabilitation are merging -- Courage Center in Golden Valley and Allina's Sister Kenny Institute, based in Minneapolis.
The partnership will provide more seamless service for patients by better coordinating care, according to Courage Center's CEO, Jan Malcolm.
She says it can be very hard for clients, families, and providers of care to navigate a system that's fragmented.
"What this new model will do is to create a much more connected set of really comprehensive services ... as soon as someone is hospitalized and the additional health and wellness supportive services, and the things we do at Courage Center to really keep people healthy and independent," she said.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
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Courage Center has about 500 employees, and the Sister Kenny Institute employs about 600 people.
The two organizations will begin blending their operations in the coming months. Malcolm would not speculate on resulting staff changes.
"We see the opportunity to serve more people and serve them better in this model," said Malcolm. "We think that will certainly create some changes, but will create a lot of opportunities for the staffs of both Courage and Kenny."
The two centers are expected to merge, officially, in spring. Both organizations say they'll continue advocating for people with disabilities.