To give people the opportunity to live life to it's fullest. We give you Hope. We get you Help. We guide you Home.

Description:
The Idaho Elks Rehabilitation System is dedicated to being the pre-eminent provider of rehabilitative services to the physically challenged throughout Idaho and its neighboring states. Founded as the state project of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Idaho in 1947, Idaho Elks Rehabilitation System works with community agencies to deliver cost-effective care to patients and their families. Through comprehensive and integrated programs, the IERS goal is to improve each individual's ability to function independently. Expert care is given in a compassionate manner by committed professionals with respect for dignity of all patients. IERS is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art rehabilitative services, research and teaching in Brain Injury, Clinics, Hearing and Balance, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Out Patient Services, Stroke and Neurology, Wound Care, and Hyperbaric Medicine.

Since 1947, Idaho Elks Rehabilitation System has served the needs of people with physical challenges in our community. Accomplishing this mission would not be possible without the support, guidance and contributions of hundreds of physicians and other health professionals in our community and throughout the region. Responding to the needs of our patients and physicians is how we developed the broad spectrum of services we now offer and how we can continue to best serve our community in the future.

History:
In 1941, the Idaho State Elks Association authorized the establishment of the "Idaho State Elks Convalescent Home for Children" as its major state project. The purpose was to offer convalescent care for crippled children who had undergone surgery. The opening was delayed because of World War II and the lack of materials to remodel the old "Collister Home" in Boise.

During 1947, a pliomyelitis outbreak necessitated the Elks opening the Home to patients long before it was ready. Many Elks and their wives rallied to the call and completed the renovation and furnishing of the Home in time to make the first 14 beds available to patients on August 28, 1947. There were soon 45 patients in the main building and more room was needed. The Elks Association again came to the front and had three wooded barrack buildings placed on the ground to take care of the additional patients.

During the early years, the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis played a tremendous role in the successful operation of the Home, with their contribution for patient care in money and equipment.

The name changed to the "Elks Rehabilitation Center" as all types of therapy were being provided to patients with other crippling conditions, as well as therapy to adults when beds were available.

Ten years later, in 1957, the Elks built a new Center on Fort Street, dedicating the Idaho Elks Rehabiliation Hospital on October 19, 1957.

In addition to the Elks contributions for patient care, many other agencies and companies contributed to the cost associated with the operation of the hospital. Every Elks Lodge in Idaho has contributed to the hospital. As the need for more programs and space became apparent, additions were made to the original one-story hospital that cost almost as much as the original building, $600,000.

On May 5, 2001, a new Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital facility was dedicated with the same purpose: to provide care for those in need of rehabilitation. With the new hospital, dedicated doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, and staff perform superior service for more patients each year.
With community growth and extended patient service , the hospital expended by opening various rehabiliation sites througout the Teasure Valley then the entire state. In 2008, Idaho Elks Rehabiliation Hospital branched out to become Idaho Elks Rehabilitation System and continues to be the premier rehabilitation service system, providing expert care to people in the state of Idaho, the northwest and the country. The Elks of Idaho take great pride in their major project, as they continue their contribution to the cause and mission of the hospital.

Contact people:

Sandi Borup, Volunteer Coordinator, (208) 489-4916, (email) Grant Jones, Development Director, (208) 489-4592, (email) Jim Atkins, Employee Services Director, (208) 489-4644, (email)

Office fax number: (208) 489-4054

Address:

600 Robbins Rd Boise, ID 83702 (See a map)

Web Site: http://idahoelksrehab.org

Directions:

Broadway to Fort Street to Robbins Road- 5 minutes walk from the Capital Building