Atrium Health commemorated a significant milestone for rehabilitative medicine in September, as more than 125 teammates, community members, and grateful patients gathered to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation.
“The word ‘rehabilitation’ means restoring hope, dignity, independence, and joy…it’s the very heart of our mission,” said Todd Bennett, vice president of Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation. “Our journey has been shaped by visionary leaders, an exceptional team dedicated to excellence, resilient patients who inspire us daily, and the extraordinary generosity of our philanthropic supporters who have made our growth possible.”
Carolinas Rehabilitation’s evolution and future are tied to the generosity of our donors. Led by Margaret and Smoky Bissell and Bissell Ballantyne – whose gift established The David L. Conlan Center that anchors the flagship facility of Carolinas Rehabilitation – the continued impact of philanthropy is profound. With community support, Carolinas Rehabilitation has excelled in clinical care, education, and research, consistently ranking among the top rehabilitation programs nationwide, and #1 in the Southeast and Carolinas.
Building upon its longstanding history of excellence, Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation is planning three significant community-supported projects to enhance the David L. Conlan Center:
The David L. Conlan Pathway to Independence will be a first-of-its-kind, immersive therapy path where recovery happens in harmony with nature.
“With the addition of the David L. Conlan Pathway to Independence, Carolinas Rehabilitation is well positioned to become the premier destination for rehabilitative care in the Southeast, as well as the nation,” said Dr. Vishwa Raj, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation chair and specialty medical director of Carolinas Rehabilitation. “The combination of traditional medical and rehabilitative interventions with holistic services not offered anywhere else, allows all of our patients to benefit from the most advanced and comprehensive treatments.”
Designed in collaboration with therapists, nurses, physicians, patients, and caregivers, the David L. Conlan Pathway to Independence is slated to open in 2027, offering real-world therapy experience through functional rehabilitation programs, including therapeutic intervention stations; outdoor therapy equipment; accessible pathways with varied ground textures; hills, ramps, and walkways; sensory and communication therapy areas; and accessible raised garden beds.
The David L. Conlan Center plans to add a biomedical research lab, an innovation lab, a Center for Independent Living, and a somatosensory resource center to support creative and sensory therapies that promote healing.
And an expansion of the Lifespan Therapies and Technology programs, which integrate occupational, physical, and speech therapies with cutting-edge rehabilitation technologies, will serve patients across all stages of life.
“These visionary projects—each rooted in compassion and innovation—are more than just plans,” said Robert Larrison, Jr., president of Carolinas Rehabilitation and Enterprise Group vice president, Atrium Health Rehabilitation Network. “They are promises to our patients, our caregivers, and our community that the future of Carolinas Rehabilitation will be defined by possibility, progress, and purpose, while we remain steadfast to our mission of restoring quality to life.”
Philanthropy plays a vital role in making these promises a reality. Every gift helps us advance care, fund groundbreaking research and innovative technology, and ensure that patients have access to the resources they need to thrive. Join us in transforming lives and building a legacy of healing for generations to come at AtriumHealthFoundation.org/CarolinasRehab75.
