Section D Pg 20 Missoulian Centennial Occupational Therapy Newest Treatment Aid
Occupational Therapy Newest Treatment Aid
Occupational therapy or “curing by doing” is the newest treatment aid provided by the Missoula Crippled Children’s Association in its rehabilitation center at Community Hospital.
Starting in 1938 with a committee under the leadership of Mrs. H. W. Stoutenburg, to raise funds for physical therapy equipment, the association was incorporated in 1945. And it was three years later, August, 1948, before doors of the center were opened in the basement of Memorial Hospital building.
Still on Board
Three signers of the articles of incorporation are still members of the board of directors, Dr. Robert G. Murphy, Dr. J. P. Ritchey and Mrs. Stoutenburg. Other original signers were Dr. A. R. Foss, Mrs. Janet Daly, the late Ralph W. Brown, Edmund T. Fritz, D. V. Higbee and Dr. R. E. Wirth.
First equipment consisted of a diathermy machine, infra-red and ultra violet lamps and four treatment tables. The sole physical therapist was Mrs. Nancy Solander, still a member of the staff.
Much Equipment
Year by year the best available equipment has been purchased, including an ultrasonics machine, whirlpool bath, Stryker frame, a new diathermy machine, a standing bicycle, fourteen devices in all. Such equipment as wheel chairs, crutches, walkers, bed bicycle, neck traction and many others are available in the lending service.
In the 12 years of its operation moneys expended have amounted to $49,374, including equipment, supplies, remodeling, general operation and $14,593.43 expended for charity cases. Last year braces and a wheel chair for two patients cost more than a thousand dollars. A total of 75,000 treatments have been given.
To finance the center a Charity Ball is given each fall in the University Lodge. Year around the board of directors maintains the Crippled Children’s Bazaar, which was started on East Front street during World War II, as the Victory Exchange.
For the future plans, officers and board members are hoping to enlarge their facilities with a new building. The present board is: President, Mrs. Stoutenburg; vice president, T. Roy Hazelrigg; secretary-treasurer, W. Harold Mast, business manager, Dr. Jack J. Kemper; legal, Sherman V. Lohn; medical advisers, Drs. Ritchey, Murphy and W. J. McKinstry; equipment, Mrs. Eugene Reardon, and public relations, Dr. Gordon W. Browder and Mrs. Vedder Gilbert.
Staff members are Mrs. Solander and Mrs. Barbara Scott, physical therapists, and Mrs. Louise Zuern, occupational therapist.