Returning to Claremont from a national speaking tour as the "Mother
of the Year," Frances Eleanor Smith gathers Claremont, Pomona, and
Chino community leaders together to organize a treatment center for children
with polio and other crippling diseases, based on "the most modern
scientific principles."
The group locates Casa Colina, the "house on the hill," built
for Margaret Fowler as her personal residence on the land in Chino where
Boys' Republic was relocated in 1909 after she founded the organization
in 1907. However, by 1936, after her death, the house stands vacant. Boys'
Republic donates the use of the home to the group forming around Smith.
They adopt the name of the house as the name for their new rehabilitation
facility for children. The next two years are spent preparing the facility
and raising funds for equipment and operation.
1938
Casa Colina opens with Frances Eleanor Smith as director, taking no salary.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt sends his blessings to Casa Colina, calling
it "the Warm Springs of the West."
Casa Colilna's first patient is admitted. Dr. John Wilcox, pediatrician,
volunteers his services, beginning what was to become a lifetime relationship.
The medical director is Dr. Ward M. Roland, an orthopedic surgeon of Los Angeles.
The first major addition comes in the form of a therapeutic pool, a gift
of Phoebe Somers of La Verne in memory of her husband.
1944
The west wing addition increases bed capacity to 35. Young patients come
from all areas of California, other states, and abroad.
1946
Casa Colina Thrift Shop, founded by Mrs. Hugh A. Thatcher, opens in Pomona.
A schoolroom wing is added.
1949
The Fenton Memorial Wing, named for Dr. W. W. Fenton, is dedicated. Casa
Colina can now serve 58 patients.
1952
Frances Eleanor Smith, who had guided Casa Colina since its earliest days,
collapses while on a fundraising mission in Hollywood. The
Los Angeles Times reports that, as she lay on the sidewalk, her last words were, "I
feel so foolish lying here when there is so much to be done."
1953
Across the United States, trials are carried out for the Salk and Sabine
vaccines for polio.
1955
The Chino building, its foundations crumbling, is beyond repair and further
expansion. Stephen Zetterberg, a Pomona Valley attorney, chairman of the
Casa Colina Board, and Dr. Ralph Perry, medical director, lead the planning
for a new building in Pomona on land that once belonged to the Smith family.
The new hospital building is designed as a facility for children with
five-bed wards.
1959
By the time the new hospital is nearing completion, polio has been practically
eradicated. However, modernized trauma care and emergency medicine are
creating a new population of people who survived catastrophic accidents
and disease, but were left with chronic disabilities. Casa Colina had
been moving in the direction of providing rehabilitation for individuals
with these spinal cord and brain injuries in the previous few years. Before
construction is completed, the new hospital changes its purpose to treat
both adults and children with a wide range of disabilities.
1960
Patients from Chino move into the new Pomona location.
1961
The new Casa Colina Hospital in Pomona, a spacious and accessible 66-bed
facility, is dedicated on January 15.
The Casa Colina Auxiliary is organized.
Dr. Jonas Salk visits Casa Colina. Addressing a large audience, he says
he understands why some of the people at Casa Colina might be angry at
him for inventing the vaccine that conquered polio, because that was Casa
Colina's main purpose for existence. However, he says, the skills and
culture of rehabilitation would need to be applied to many diagnoses,
and Casa Colina would have an important and challenging future as an essential
part of healthcare.
1963
A preschool for handicapped children opens with Dr. Anabel Teberg as pediatrician.
1967
Casa Colina Hospital for Rehabilitative Medicine receives its first accreditation
by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAH), an accreditation
continuously held since that time.
1973
Dale E. Eazell is named president and chief executive officer.
1973 - 1974
A unique new program, Chronic Back Pain Management, opens with Dr. Herbert
Johnson as medical director.
New outpatient Children's Service programs are introduced with Elizabeth
Neumann, PhD, as director.
A specialized Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Program opens with Dr. Julie Botvin
Madorsky as medical director.
Casa Colina receives its first CARF Accreditation (Commission for the Accreditation
of Rehabilitation Facilities).
1975 - 1976
The Teaching Center opens, offering many professional educational opportunities.
The Day Treatment Program is introduced, one of the first programs in California
to offer innovative alternative rehabilitation services.
Philanthropists Jack and Berne Meiselman present Casa Colina Palms, a Palm
Springs apartment complex, to Casa Colina.
Physical and occupational therapy areas are enlarged, with new state-of-the-art
equipment.
Casa Colina sponsors the State Regional Center for the Developmentally
Disabled, constructing a building for its use on the Casa Colina campus.
A new Children's Services Center is constructed to provide pediatric outpatient
rehabilitation services.
1976 - 1977
Children's Diagnostic and Referral Services are introduced.
1977 - 1978
The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program opens with Dr. Tae Soon Kim as
medical director.
Infant Stimulation, with Dr. John Wilcox, pediatrician, is introduced at
Children's Services Center to work with children with intellectual/developmental
disabilities.
The Outpatient Pain Program opens and Respiratory Therapy services are
introduced.
1979 - 1980
The Case Management Program for Worker's Compensation opens.
The Wellness Research/Education Program is developed.
Casa Colina Condors wheelchair basketball team wins its first national
championship, going on to win nine championships in the next 14 years.
Adult Day Healthcare is licensed by the State of California. Casa Colina
staff play a large part in defining the licensure, working with state
officials.
1980 - 1981
The Transitional Living Center is introduced as a transitional phase between
acute rehabilitation and return to home for adults with brain injury.
The Sexuality Clinic and the Independent Living Program for patients with
spinal cord injury open.
1981 - 1982
Transitional Living Center Residence II is added.
The hospital dining room is enlarged and remodeled.
1982 - 1983
Transitional Living Center Residence III is added.
Founder's Wall, a major donor program, opens.
Multiple Sclerosis and Guillain-Barré Sydrome services are introduced.
Casa Colina celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the birth of its founder, Frances Eleanor Smith (March
21, 1882).
1983 - 1984
The new Corporate building is constructed at 2850 North Garey Ave.
The new Adult Day Healthcare Center is constructed at 2820 North Garey
Avenue. The area between the two buildings is adapted as a multi-purpose
room for education and meetings.
Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) are introduced as an element in controlling
healthcare costs. Although rehabilitation is exempt from them at this
time, they have a strong impact on many aspects of healthcare.
The Padua Village Residential Program is introduced, adding to Casa Colina's
continuum of care residential services for adults with intellectual/developmental
disabilities and/or brain injury.
1985
The Outdoor Adventures Program begins activities.
1986
The Hand Therapy Program begins.
Barbara Kyte, PT, Director of Outpatient and Clinical Services, is chosen
as "Health Professional of the Year" by California Governor's
Committee for Employment of the Handicapped.
Julie Madorsky, MD, Program Medical Director for Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation,
is honored as California Physician of the Year by Governor George Deukmejian.
1988
Dale Eazell, CEO and President, is selected as "Healthcare Executive
of the Year" by the American Academy of Medical Administrators.
Julie Madorsky, MD, is honored by President Ronald Reagan as "U.S.
Physician of the Year."
1989
Transitional Living Center moves into the newly constructed Laband Building.
With a donation from Mr. and Mrs. Stanton Avery, the therapy pool at Casa
Colina Hospital is entirely renovated and dedicated to Rev. Dr. Perry
Avery, who had been a patient at Casa Colina and was selected as a Rehabilitant
of the Year in 1984.
1992
Casa Colina Rancho Piño Verde in Lucerne Valley begins long-term
residential services for adults with brain injury.
Shaken Baby Syndrome public awareness campaign kicks off with a mailing
that went to every pediatrician in California, with the support of the
Permanent Charities Committee of the Entertainment Industry.
At the Paralympics, Casa Colina athletes are part of teams that win two
Gold and two Silver medals.
Two wheelchair athletes who were Casa Colina patients and participants
in the Wheelchair Sports Program win athletic scholarships to University
of Texas at Arlington.
1993
The Casa Colina Condors men's basketball team wins its ninth national championship
in 14 years.
1994
The American Horticulture Therapy Association awards Casa Colina the John
Walker Community Service Award.
David Kiley, director of Casa Colina's Wheelchair Sports Program, receives
a commendation from the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness. The award
is presented by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Kiley is asked to serve as a consultant
to the Governor's Council.
Casa Colina's Transitional Living Center is chosen as a preferred provider
for TLC Post-acute Brain Injury Services for the province of Ontario,
Canada. Maintaining this relationship for several years, Casa Colina serves
as consultant to the government health service of Ontario as they develop
their own transitional living center.
1996
Casa Colina marks its 60-year anniversary with an all-day festival attended
by more than 2,000 professionals and community residents.
The first Casa Colina Land Meets Sea Sports Camp is held in Long Beach,
California.
Eight athletes from Casa Colina's Wheelchair Sports Program participate
in the Paralympic games in Sydney, Australia, winning Gold in Men's Tennis
Doubles and Bronze in both Men's and Women's Basketball.
Casa Colina Shooting Stars wins the national championship in Women's Wheelchair
Basketball.
1997
SUPERKIDS Research Program for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD) is started at Children's Services Center.
Foothill Mayor's Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities presents
five awards to employers, employees, and vendors associated with Casa
Colina's Career Development Center programs: Outstanding Employer, Employee,
and Vendor.
Transitional Living Center patient Theresa DeVera is featured on
Oprah,
CBS This Morning, and in the
Los Angeles Times.
Casa Colina Shooting Stars wins the national championship in Women's Wheelchair
Basketball for the second straight year.
1998
Hand Clinics begin with surgeons Dr. Ann Vasile and Dr. Ross Nathan, implementing
the first use of Freehand Control System in Southern California.
Dale Eazell, CEO and president for 25 years, retires. Felice L. Loverso,
PhD, becomes the new CEO and president of Casa Colina.
Casa Colina, Inc. received the Corporate Community Service Award from
Inland Valley News at the Annual Celebration of Excellence Awards Luncheon. The
Inland Valley News is the sole African-American owned newspaper between Los Angeles and San
Bernardino.
1999
A 10-bed expansion at Casa Colina Rancho Piño Verde brings its total
number of licensed beds to 34.
The Casa Colina Research Institute (CCRI) is launched, reinvigorating the
research program at Casa Colina.
Casa Colina begins refocusing on serving acute hospital patients. The number
of staff physicians, referring physicians, and acute-care patients rises
dramatically.
2000
Casa Colina's Board of Directors recommits to the vision of Casa Colina
as a Center of Excellence in the provision of rehabilitation services
working within a medical leadership model, with Casa Colina Hospital as
the clinical and cultural flagship of a network of services.
An Autism Program is initiated at the Children's Services Center under
the leadership of Margaret Bauman, MD, who splits her time between Casa
Colina and her positions at Harvard Medical School, MassGen Hospital,
and the LADDERS Program in Boston.
Occupational Health Services opens under the direction of a Board Certified
Industrial Medicine specialist.
President and CEO Felice Loverso and the Board of Directors initiate a
plan to rebuild Casa Colina's entire Pomona campus. The plan includes
new buildings for Adult Day Healthcare and Children's Services; an additional
10 beds at the Transitional Living Center; and the relocation of Outpatient
Services to an entirely rebuilt first floor of the 2820 North Garey building
(until this time the home of Adult Day Healthcare). The centerpiece of
the plan is a new rehabilitation hospital with 68 acute-care beds.
Ground is broken on a pool and recreation building complex at Casa Colina
Rancho Piño Verde. On the same day, ground is broken at Casa Colina
Apple Valley for a 20-bed residential facility for adults with brain injury.
2001
Ground is broken in Pomona for the campus renovation project. The first
buildings to be started are Adult Day Healthcare, Children's Services
Center, and a 10-bed expansion at the Transitional Living Center.
A bond issue for $40 million is offered to the public and immediately sold
to finance the construction.
A capital campaign is started to assist in paying for the historic construction
project. By year's end, $4.5 million is pledged.
Specialty programs for Geriatric Assessment and Arthritis are started.
Dedication ceremonies at Casa Colina Rancho Piño Verde and Casa
Colina Apple Valley mark the initiation of expansion in Southern California's
High Desert.
2002
The new Helen A. Kellner Adult Day Healthcare Center and the A. Gary Anderson
Family Children's Services Center are dedicated.
As the Adult Day Healthcare Center vacates its old quarters, work begins
to transform it into the new Outpatient Center.
The planning process for the major piece of the Pomona campus renovation,
the new hospital, continues. Plans now envision an ambulatory surgery
center and a diagnostic imaging center.
New specialty programs open in Pain Management, Audiology, Multiple Sclerosis,
and Parkinson's Disease.
Casa Colina is awarded the "National Corporate Leadership Award"
by the Brain Injury Association of America for outstanding leadership
in the field of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation and extraordinary
commitment to improving the quality of life for people with brain injury.
2003
Dedication of the new Dr. S. Jerome and Judith D. Tamkin Outpatient Center
initiates the new facility designed for a capacity of 75,000 treatment
visits per year. The center begins serving patients March 6, 2003.
New Outpatient Specialty Physician Clinics open for Arthritis, Movement
Disorders, Wound Care, General Rehabilitation (4), Pain Management, and
Orthopedics/Neurology.
Casa Colina Hospital achieves a score of 93 out of 100 on the triennial
accreditation survey conducted by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation
of Health Care Organizations (then known as JCAHO, now known as the Joint
Commission).
Casa Colina President and CEO Felice Loverso, PhD, is elected Chairman
of the Board of the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association
(AMRPA), the national organization representing rehabilitation hospitals
and units in the United States. He serves three consecutive years in this post.
2004
Additional Outpatient Specialty Physician Clinics open for ENT (Ear/Nose/Throat),
Vestibular, Urology, Infectious Disease, Audiology, Urinary Dysfunction,
Sports Medicine, and Foot & Ankle.
Author Stephen King is the featured presenter at Casa Colina's Tribute
to Courage Gala, honoring Ed Eckenhoff, CEO and President of the National
Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC.
All energies are focused on maintaining excellence of services to current
patients while completing construction of the new Casa Colina Hospital.
Casa Colina begins a relationship with San Antonio Community Hospital to
manage their outpatient rehabilitation programs.
The Ahmanson Foundation and the Weingart Foundation make grants to Casa
Colina that collectively contribute $1,100,000 to the construction of
the new hospital.
2005
Casa Colina begins serving people in the new Casa Colina Hospital, transferring
patients on March 12, 2005.
Additional Outpatient Specialty Physician Clinics open for Pediatric Orthopedics
and Hand Therapy.
The UniHealth Foundation makes a grant to Casa Colina for $369,000 over
three years to support Physician Specialty Clinics within the rehabilitation
continuum, recognizing this development as an innovative model that makes
specialist services accessible to individuals with disabilities and helps
attract and retain physician specialists in the underserved Pomona area.
Casa Colina Hospital is dedicated October 14, attracting more than 1,200
people to the Pomona campus across the nation.
Working with the military medical system and the Veterans Administration,
Casa Colina begins receiving military personnel injured in Iraq and Afghanistan,
primarily for brain injury rehabilitation, the signature injury of these
conflicts.
2006
Shashank Arya, MD, is designated as "2006 Physician of the Year"
by the National Republican Congressional Committee.
Casa Colina Hospital nurse Amador (Ben) Banuelos, LVN receives the "Caring
Spirit Award" from the Press Enterprise Newspapers.
An additional Physician Specialty Clinic opens for Pulmonary.
Construction is completed for Casa Colina Apple Valley Phase II, adding
11 additional beds for a total of 31. The facility achieves 100% occupancy
within months.
Casa Colina's work with combat veterans is recognized in network news stories
on CNN and NBC and in a front-page story in
The New York Times.
2007
At the closing of the Transitional Living Center's survey by the Commission
on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), CARF states:
"In comparison with other national providers of renown reputation,
Casa Colina's TLC excels in this specialized area of care. You are doing
a wonderful job."
Additional Physician Specialty Clinics open for Nephrology, Plastic Surgery,
Padua Village (Aging with a Disability), and Bone Densitometry.
Casa Colina at Apple Valley completes construction of its third phase,
adding a recreation wing and 11 additional beds for a total of 42.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Southern California Chapter, gives
Casa Colina the "Community Partner Award" in recognition of
the partnership to offer Living Well, Optimal Living, and other educational programs.
The Henry L. Guenther Foundation awards the Casa Colina Children's Services
Center a grant to pilot a social fitness club for teenagers with autism
spectrum disorders: "Teen Scene ASD Program."
Casa Colina's work with combat veterans is recognized further in network
news stories on CBS and regional stories on ABC.
The National Health Foundation, part of the Hospital Association of Southern
California, gives the "Hospital Hero Award" to Dr. David Patterson,
medical director of Casa Colina.
Casa Colina expands its relationship with San Antonio Community Hospital
to include management of all inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services.
2008
Casa Colina Hospital develops clinical pathways to implement evidence-based
guidelines in the rehabilitation treatment of patients with stroke, traumatic
brain injury, and orthopedics.
Casa Collina received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for its
"continuous services to our veterans and the brave men and women
of the armed forces. Your outstanding dedication to the service community
is truly admirable." It is presented at Casa Colina's Tribute to
Courage Gala, February 2, 2008 by California Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano.
Casa Colina receives grant funding for its Wounded Warrior Fund from the
Bob Woodruff Foundation, the Timothy C. McWilliams Jr. Foundation, and
the Majestic Realty Foundation.
Casa Colina receives the entire proceeds of the Pomona Rotary Club Annual
Art Auction for the benefit of its Wounded Warrior Fund.
The California Community Foundation awards Casa Colina a grant for general
operating support at its Transitional Living, Children's Services, and
Adult Day Healthcare centers.
The UniHealth Foundation funds a three-year Casa Colina research project,
"Medically Directed Wellness Program for Adults Aging with an Intellectual/Developmental
Disability."
The Casa Colina Children's Services Center initiates speech therapy services
at LeRoy Haynes, a residential facility to assist at-risk children in
development.
Casa Colina opens a community exercise program for persons with spinal
cord injury in cooperation with the Claremont Club, a local fitness club.
Casa Colina receives the Center for Medical Rehabilitation Services Best
Practices Award for its project "Integrating Specialist Physicians
into a Rehabilitation Continuum of Care" from the California Hospital
Association. It was awarded at their annual meeting, Oct. 14, 2008.
Casa Colina Hospital initiates an outpatient services satellite center
in Azusa, California, expanding the range of outpatient therapy and physician
clinic services available to the region. With state-of-the-art exercise
and therapy equipment, initial services at Casa Colina Azusa Center include
physical, occupational, speech, and specialized hand therapies, as well
as physician clinics in sports medicine and rehabilitation.
The Welcome Back Veterans Initiative of the McCormick Foundation and Major
League Baseball award Casa Colina a grant to develop the "Survive
and Thrive Veterans and Families Project" to assist armed services
members and their families with traumatic brain injury and to sustain
family living over the long term.
2009
The Casa Colina Children's Services Center expands the range of services
provided at LeRoy Haynes to include occupational therapy.
For a second year, Casa Colina is the recipient of the proceeds of the
Pomona Rotary Club Annual Art Auction for the benefit of Casa Colina's
military patients and the "Survive and Thrive Veterans and Families
Project."
Casa Colina opens the Sleep Center on the Pomona campus, a two-bedroom
facility for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of sleep disorders,
including sleep apnea, snoring, and restless leg disorders.
Clinical pathways for Spinal Cord Injury are introduced, formalizing the
program of evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation of that diagnosis
at Casa Colina Hospital.
Relationships with collaborating community agencies expand with the addition
of pediatric programs for life-skills training, physicians seminars, and
program for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities through
the City of Rancho Cucamonga.
Headache and Spine specialty programs are added to Casa Colina's Physician
Specialty Clinics.
The Sports Medicine Program expands its range of services to include a
"return-to-play" program, a concussion monitoring program, a
sports medicine fellowship, expanded sports injury screenings at Pomona
and Azusa, and sideline coverage for scholastic football and soccer games.
Felice Loverso, PhD, CEO and President of Casa Colina, becomes chairman
for the Fund for Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation (FAIR Fund), a coalition
of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and in-hospital rehabilitation units.
The FAIR Fund seeks to clarify the rules for reopening Medicare claims
and the right of Medicare providers to challenge the untimely reopening
of Medicare claims in the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
RAC Audit process.
Casa Colina is invited as a Laureate by the California Community Foundation
and the Eisner Foundation to participate in the Unsung Heroes event at
the Getty Museum on September 16. Three Laureate grantee agencies are
chosen from each of the California Community Foundations five priority
areas. During the program, one of each three is announced as the winner
of the Joan Palevsky Award. Casa Colina is awarded that prize in the category
of Human Development for its work at Adult Day Healthcare, the Transitional
Living Center, and the Children's Service Center.
In October, Casa Colina holds the first session of "Survive and Thrive
Veterans and Families Project," a pilot intervention for service
members with traumatic brain injury and their families, at the Alisal
Guest Ranch in Solvang, California. Twelve families from across the country
participate in three days of education, workshops, experiential trainings,
and one-on-one meetings with doctors, with the goal of helping families
maintain stability while living with an individual with TBI. The initial
evaluation at two months after the event shows positive results.
2010
Casa Colina's Tribute to Courage Gala honors families and wives who accommodate
a person with a brain injury when they return home. Speakers include Lee
Woodruff, whose husband, ABC news reporter Bob Woodruff, suffered a brain
injury while reporting from Iraq, and Wendy Tucker, whose husband, Marco
Ferreira, recovered from a motorcycle accident in Malibu.
The San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership awards Casa Colina its Humanitarian
Award for the Wounded Warrior Program, which ensures that active and non-active
service members with TBI have access to the most complete rehabilitation
services at Casa Colina, regardless of their ability to pay.
Casa Colina is accepted as a member of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis
Centers, demonstrating leadership and excellence in delivering services
to individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.
Casa Colina's work with military personnel is chosen as a beneficiary of
the "Land of the Free Golf Tournament" in November 2010.
2011
The UniHealth Foundation awards Casa Colina Hospital a grant of $628,000
to support the implementation of an Electronic Health Record.
Casa Colina's work with military and first responders is chosen as a beneficiary
of the Western Police and Fire Games.
2012
Phase II of the major development plan begins with acquisition of bond
funding at favorable terms and interest rate, expansion of parking lot
at southeast quadrant of Pomona main campus, groundbreaking on the Medical
Office Building, and designation of Siemens as vendor for implementation
of campus-wide electronic health record.
2013
The Casa Colina Medical Office Building is completed and dedicated on September
12 with donors, board members, local dignitaries, patients, and other
friends of Casa Colina in attendance. The first floor of the MOB offers
an Urgent Care Center, a retail pharmacy, a durable medical equipment
store, and private medical offices. On the same day, the group walks to
the site of the 31-bed medical-surgical hospital addition to Casa Colina
Hospital for a groundbreaking ceremony with an address by Dr. Neil Martin,
Director of Neurology at UCLA. He speaks of the collaboration of our organizations
to bring advanced medicine and top care to patients using new technology
and forward-thinking spirit of cooperation.
2014
In March, Casa Colina begins the implementation phase of its electronic
medical record development.
Construction continues on Casa Colina's 31-bed medical-surgical wing.
2015
Progress continues on Casa Colina's new medical-surgical wing, with plans
to open in early 2016. The new wing will feature three state-of-the art
operating rooms, six intensive care unit beds, and 25 private medical-surgical beds.
2016
Casa Colina Hospital opens the new Medical-Surgical Wing on April 1, 2016.
The new wing features three state-of-the art operating rooms, six intensive
care unit beds, a gastroenterology suite, and 25 private medical-surgical
beds. Operating rooms feature the da Vinci® Xi™ Surgical System,
which can be used across a spectrum of minimally invasive surgical procedures
and has been optimized for multi-quadrant surgeries in the areas of gynecology,
urology, thoracic, cardiac and general surgery. The new wing also features
Mako robotic-arm-assisted surgical technology to perform minimally invasive
joint replacements.
2017
Nuclear medicine is added to the list of services offered by Casa Colina's
Diagnostic Imaging Center.
Casa Collina launches the OPTI-West Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Residency Program in July and welcomes its first three PM&R residents.
Casa Colina announces its new Revive Joint Replacement Program at its state-of-the-art
Orthopedic & Robotics Center, providing comprehensive and innovative
care for joint replacement patients.
2018
An initial phase of renovations to the Dr. S. Jerome & Judith D. Tamkin
Outpatient Center is completed, adding 1,730 square feet of lobby space
and new, covered porte-cochere entrance for curbside pick-up and drop-off,
allowing Casa Colina to serve more patients comfortably and efficiently.
Casa Colina President and CEO Felice L. Loverso, PhD, receives the UCLA
Department of Neurosurgery’s prestigious Luminary Award, which recognizes
remarkable members of the Los Angeles community for outstanding professional
accomplishments, as well as ongoing advocacy and efforts to improve community
well-being.
2019
Casa Colina receives a Healthgrades 2019 Patient Safety Excellence Award,
which recognizes excellence in safeguarding patients from serious, potentially
preventable complications during their hospital stay and places Casa Colina
Hospital among the top 10% of hospitals reporting patient safety data.
Casa Colina is also recognized as a Five-Star Recipient for the categories
of "Total Knee Replacement" and "Treatment of Pneumonia."
Casa Colina raises a record amount of funds at its annual Tribute to Courage
Gala 2019, which honored three first responders from law enforcement and
emergency services who overcame traumatic brain and other injuries sustained
in the line of duty.
Construction is completed for Casa Colina at Apple Valley Phase IV expansion,
adding 12 additional beds for a total of 54 as well as administrative
space, dining commons, and outdoor recreation area.
The Casa Colina Azusa Center celebrates 10 years of service to the San
Gabriel Valley community.
Recent upgrades to the Audiology Center are completed, including expanded
office space and a second sound booth.
The Speech Language Pathology suite increases its number of speech therapy
rooms from four to six and provides a larger, more comfortable patient
waiting area.
Casa Colina purchases two new residences to be converted into temporary
housing for visiting families whose loved ones are undergoing long-term recovery.
Casa Colina's Total Knee Replacement program receives the highest possible
rating (five stars) from Healthgrades.
2020
Casa Colina invests millions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic to protect
patients and staff. Investments in personal protective equipment, enhanced
sanitation, and building modifications allow Casa Colina to keep its patients
and personnel as safe as possible during the unprecedented public health crisis.
Casa Colina's is recognized with the Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience
Award. This places Casa Colina among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide,
based on patient surveys evaluating factors such as communication with
doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, and cleanliness.
Casa Colina closes its beloved Adult Day Healthcare Center due to operational
restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Casa Colina begins
to repurpose the space to house its Transitional Living Center’s
Day Treatment Program, which offers intensive, structured outpatient services
for individuals living at home but still recovering from neurological injuries.
Renovations continue in the Pomona Outpatient Center, including conversion
of the Tamkin Rooms meeting space to additional treatment areas in order
to meet growing demand for therapeutic services. The updates also include
added treatment areas for lymphedema, hand therapy, speech-language pathology,
neuropsychology, and occupational therapy.
Updates are also completed in the Physician Specialty Clinics, including
the addition of two new exam rooms, expanded patient waiting area, a patient
vitals area, new ADA-compliant restroom, and upgrades to existing rooms
and equipment.
The Casa Colina Foundation hosts its first-ever virtual Tribute to Courage
Gala, raising a record amount of support toward free and subsidized care
for Casa Colina patients.
A comprehensive new Spine Program is launched. The program is a collaboration
of multidisciplinary spine experts, including physiatrists, licensed physical
therapists, pain management specialists, radiologists, and the area’s
top neurosurgeons available through the Inland Neurosurgery Institute.
Casa Colina at Apple Valley completes construction of an outdoor recreational
area. The long-term facility for those with brain injury now offers a
variety of outdoor recreation including putting greens, horseshoes, ring
toss, and corn hole, as well as a BBQ area and space to stage live music
and dancing.
Casa Colina's Total Knee Replacement program receives the highest possible
rating (five stars) from Healthgrades for the second year in a row.
2021
A new Limb Preservation Program is launched in January. Led by noted podiatric
surgeon Dr. David Armstrong of Keck Medicine at USC, the program offers
comprehensive screening, wound care, therapy, and surgical services to
those with diabetes and vascular diseases who are at risk of lower-limb
amputation.
Casa Colina breaks ground on a new state-of-the-art Education Center on
its 20-acre Pomona campus. With expected completion in 2023, the center
will offer a new space for staff and community members to gather, with
modern amenities and state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, all accentuated
by Casa Colina’s trademark Mission-style aesthetic.
The John P. Previti Memorial Spiritual Garden opens in Casa Colina Hospital
on November 11. The garden offers a peaceful area for individuals of all
religious and spiritual backgrounds, where Casa Colina patients, families,
and staff can reflect and rejuvenate.
Casa Colina launches an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Program, offering
comprehensive medical, surgical, and rehabilitative treatment for conditions
of the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, and larynx. Casa Colina’s licensed
audiologists and speech-language pathologists partner with ENT physicians
from Keck Medicine at USC for this new collaborative program.
Based on data collected by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare
Providers & Systems, Casa Colina Hospital earns a prestigious distinction
by ranking among the nation's top 1% of patient-recommended hospitals.
In a nationwide survey of over 3,400 hospitals, at least 93% of Casa Colina
patients said they would "definitely recommend" the facility
to friends and family. This makes Casa Colina the only hospital in Southern
California, and one of only two in the entire state, to achieve this impressive merit.
Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare receives an "A-"
rating from Standard & Poor's (S&P) Global Ratings, a leading
credit rating agency that assesses the financial health of companies.
This rating indicates Casa Colina has a "strong capacity" to
meet its financial commitments, demonstrating its stability and ability
to fulfill its long-term obligations.
Newsweek names Casa Colina Hospital as one of America's Best Physical Rehabilitation
Centers. This prestigious recognition, awarded in collaboration with Statista
Inc., highlights Casa Colina's commitment to providing exceptional inpatient
rehabilitation services. The selection process involved a rigorous evaluation
based on peer recommendations, quality scores, key performance indicators,
and accreditations.
Given in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons,
Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare earns The Joint Commission's
Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification.
This certification recognizes Casa Colina's commitment to providing safe
and effective care to patients undergoing joint replacement surgery. Casa
Colina is one of only 138 facilities in the United States to achieve this
distinction.
Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare earns accreditation from
the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for
its inpatient rehabilitation programs, as well as its outpatient rehabilitation
centers in Pomona and Azusa. This prestigious accreditation, awarded after
a rigorous peer review process, demonstrates Casa Colina's commitment
to meeting international standards for quality and value in rehabilitation
services. It recognizes Casa Colina's person-centered approach, its focus
on positive outcomes, and its dedication to continuous improvement.
Casa Colina's consistent success in providing exceptional patient experience
is recognized for the second consecutive year with the Healthgrades Outstanding
Patient Experience Award. This places Casa Colina among the top 15% of
hospitals nationwide, based on patient surveys evaluating factors such
as communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff,
and cleanliness.
Casa Colina earns a top rating (five stars) for Total Hip Replacement from
Healthgrades.
Casa Colina's Total Knee Replacement program receives the highest possible
rating (five stars) from Healthgrades for the third year in a row.
Healthgrades awards Casa Colina’s Back Surgery program with five stars.
Casa Colina achieves a top rating (five stars) for Spinal Fusion Surgery
from Healthgrades.
2022
For the third consecutive year, Healthgrades recognizes Casa Colina Hospital
and Centers for Healthcare as being in the top 15% in the nation for providing
an overall outstanding patient experience. Healthgrades overall patient
experience scoring methodology uses Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare
Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) patient survey data from the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
From the list of Joint Replacement Excellence Award recipients, Healthgrades
further identifies Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare as
one of the top 100 hospitals based on their clinical outcomes in back
and neck surgeries and spinal fusion.
Healthgrades names Casa Colina as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals
for Spine Surgery. Additionally, Casa Colina is a recipient of the Healthgrades
Spine Surgery Excellence Award.
From the list of Joint Replacement Excellence Award recipients, Healthgrades
further identifies Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare as
one of the top 100 hospitals based on their clinical outcomes in knee
and hip replacement.
Casa Colina hosts a poignant art exhibit featuring all original drawings
created by patients who have received inpatient care for various types
of chronic pain. The exhibit showcases the diverse ways patients experience
and visualize their pain, offering a unique perspective on the challenges
of living with chronic conditions. This event not only provides a platform
for patients to express themselves creatively but also fosters a deeper
understanding of chronic pain within the Casa Colina community.
Newsweek recognizes Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare as
one of America's Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers for the second straight year.
Casa Colina earns a top rating (five stars) for Total Hip Replacement from
Healthgrades for the second consecutive year.
Casa Colina's Total Knee Replacement program receives the highest possible
rating (five stars) from Healthgrades for the fourth year in a row.
Healthgrades awards Casa Colina’s Back Surgery program with five
stars for a second year.
For a second year, Casa Colina achieves a top rating (five stars) for Spinal
Fusion Surgery from Healthgrades.
2023
For the second consecutive year, Healthgrades names Casa Colina as one
of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery. Additionally,
Casa Colina is once again the recipient of the Healthgrades Spine Surgery
Excellence Award.
Casa Colina's consistent success in providing an exceptional patient experience
is recognized for the fourth consecutive year with the Healthgrades Outstanding
Patient Experience Award. This places Casa Colina among the top 15% of
hospitals nationwide, based on patient surveys evaluating factors such
as communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff,
and cleanliness.
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians awards Casa Colina Children's Services
Center a $450,000 grant to support the construction of a new Interactive
Musical Playground aiming to help children with disabilities develop speech,
motor, and social skills in an engaging and enjoyable environment.
Felice L. Loverso, PhD, retires as President and CEO of Casa Colina Hospital
and Centers for Healthcare after 25 years of dedicated service. During
his tenure, Dr. Loverso led a transformative era for Casa Colina, overseeing
the complete renovation of the Pomona campus, including a new hospital,
Medical-Surgical Wing, and Research Institute building. He championed
a physician-led, team-based approach to care, prioritizing patient dignity
and empowerment. Dr. Loverso's leadership fostered a culture of excellence,
significantly expanding Casa Colina's programs and services while solidifying
its reputation as a leader in medical rehabilitation. The newly completed
Education Center is named in honor of his tireless service.
Casa Colina welcomes Kelly M. Linden as its new President and Chief Executive
Officer, succeeding Dr. Felice L. Loverso. Ms. Linden brings decades of
experience in healthcare management. Her expertise includes a strong background
in operations, strategy, and business development, making her well-equipped
to lead Casa Colina into a new era of growth and innovation.
Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare launches MEDITECH Expanse,
a new electronic health record (EHR) system, and MyCare, a patient portal
providing secure access to personal health information. With MyCare, patients
can view medical records, refill prescriptions, and communicate with physicians
from any device. These upgrades enhance care quality, streamline information
sharing, and improve patient engagement.
Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare is voted the region's "Best
Physical Therapy Center" by readers of the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
and "Favorite Physical Therapy Center" by readers of the San
Bernardino Sun. These awards, based on a readership poll conducted by
the Inland News Group, recognize Casa Colina's commitment to providing
high-quality physical therapy services and its positive impact on the
local community.
After a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Casa Colina relaunches
its adaptive sports and recreation program as "Beat the Heat,"
formerly known as "Land Meets Sea." Part of the Outdoor Adventures
program, "Beat the Heat" offers a variety of activities such
as kayaking, sailing, deep-sea fishing, and handcycling, designed to introduce
people of all abilities to adaptive sports and recreation.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services awards Casa Colina Hospital
and Centers for Healthcare a five-star overall hospital quality rating,
placing it among the top 12% of hospitals nationwide. This rating summarizes
performance across five key areas: mortality, safety of care, readmission,
patient experience, and timely and effective care.
The Joint Commission awards Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare
its Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement
Certification for the second consecutive year. This certification recognizes
Casa Colina's commitment to providing safe and effective care to patients
undergoing joint replacement surgery, meeting rigorous performance standards
in areas such as pre-surgical consultation, rehabilitation, and follow-up care.
The Casa Colina Research Institute receives $10,000 in seed funding from
the Foundation for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation to study the
use of vagal nerve stimulation in stroke treatment. This research has
the potential to significantly impact rehabilitation strategies and improve
the quality of life for individuals recovering from stroke.
To enhance its wound care, hyperbaric medicine, and limb preservation services,
Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare announces a new partnership
with Wound Care Advantage (WCA). This collaboration provides Casa Colina's
team of wound care specialists with access to WCA's expertise and resources,
ensuring the delivery of comprehensive wound care services tailored to
each patient's needs.
Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare actively recruits for the
2024 cohort of its Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program.
This comprehensive program provides residents with extensive training
and experience in various rehabilitation specialties, including brain
injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, amputation, and musculoskeletal conditions.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning, mentorship, and research opportunities,
preparing residents to become leaders in the field of physical medicine
and rehabilitation.
The Casa Colina Research Institute partners with Rare Beauty, a cosmetics
company founded by actress and singer Selena Gomez, to conduct a study
on the accessibility of beauty products for individuals with hand and
arm disabilities. This research explored how product design could be optimized
to improve usability and satisfaction for people with limited dexterity.
Casa Colina earns a top rating (five stars) for Total Hip Replacement from
Healthgrades for the third consecutive year.
Casa Colina's Total Knee Replacement program receives the highest possible
rating (five stars) from Healthgrades for the fifth year in a row.
For a third year, Casa Colina achieves a top rating (five stars) for Spinal
Fusion Surgery from Healthgrades.
2024
For the third consecutive year, Healthgrades names Casa Colina as one of
America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery and awards the hospital
its Spine Surgery Excellence Award.
Nearly 900 supporters gather for Casa Colina's Tribute to Courage Gala,
raising a record-breaking $650,000 for free and subsidized patient care.
This black-tie event honored jazz vocalist Kathleen Grace and Paralympic
cyclist Samantha Bosco, both of whom overcame significant injuries to
achieve remarkable success. The inaugural Impact Award was presented to
actress, singer, and Rare Beauty founder, Selena Gomez for her work promoting
inclusivity and mental health through her Rare Impact Fund, which partnered
with Casa Colina on accessibility research.
Casa Colina's consistent success in providing an exceptional patient experience
is recognized for the fifth consecutive year with the Healthgrades Outstanding
Patient Experience Award. This places Casa Colina among the top 15% of
hospitals nationwide, based on patient surveys evaluating factors such
as communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff,
and cleanliness.
Reflecting Casa Colina's positive reputation and impact on the local community,
readers of the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin vote Casa Colina Hospital
and Centers for Healthcare the region's "Favorite Hospital"
for the second consecutive year, also naming it the "Best Physical
Therapy Center."
The Ahmanson Foundation awards a $66,400 grant to Casa Colina Hospital
and Centers for Healthcare to purchase three autonoME hospital units for
patients with spinal cord injuries. These specialized devices enable patients
to control their surroundings, communicate more easily, and participate
more actively in their rehabilitation.
The Ehlers-Danlos Society recognizes Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for
Healthcare as a Center of Excellence, one of only 17 programs in the United
States to achieve this distinction.
Building on the success of its first year, "Beat the Heat" returns
to foster camaraderie, empower individuals, and promote the transformative
power of adaptive sports and outdoor adventure. In addition to participating
in activities such as handcycling, wheelchair basketball, and sailing,
attendees were also treated to an inspiring presentation by Paralympic
gold medalist Dean Maccabe.
Casa Colina’s Children's Services Center unveils the Huunat Interactive
Musical Playground, a first-of-its-kind therapeutic space designed to
enhance therapy for children with developmental delays. This innovative
playground, made possible by a grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission
Indians and other community partners, features interactive musical elements
like magical pebbles and a musical staircase, creating an engaging environment
where children can develop speech, motor, and social skills through play
and music.
The U.S. Department of Defense awards a $2 million grant to the Casa Colina
Research Institute and its collaborators, including UCLA, Harvard/Spaulding
Rehabilitation Network, and Mass General Hospital to study a new neurorestoration
technique for patients with severe brain injury. This four-year study
will explore the use of Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Stimulation to
enhance recovery of consciousness in patients with Disorders of Consciousness.
This research has the potential to significantly improve treatment options
for individuals with severe brain injuries.
Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare receives reaccreditation
from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
for its inpatient rehabilitation unit and Transitional Living Center.
This reaccreditation, a "gold standard" for medical rehabilitation,
signifies that Casa Colina continues to meet rigorous international benchmarks
for quality, demonstrating its ability to deliver effective, evidence-based
services. Furthermore, Casa Colina earns new certifications for its Brain
Injury Specialty Programs, highlighting its dedication to providing exceptional,
specialized rehabilitation services that empower individuals with brain
injuries to maximize their recovery and improve their quality of life.
Casa Colina's Total Knee Replacement program receives the highest possible
rating (five stars) from Healthgrades for the sixth year in a row.
For a fourth year, Casa Colina achieves a top rating (five stars) for Spinal
Fusion Surgery from Healthgrades.
2025
Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare earns new accreditations
from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
for its inpatient Spinal Cord Injury and Stroke Rehabilitation Programs,
further solidifying its commitment to providing exceptional, specialized
rehabilitation services that empower individuals with stroke or spinal
cord injuries to maximize their recovery and improve their quality of life.
