As we reflect on the past year, the United Spinal Association’s Northeast Ohio Chapter would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported us throughout 2024. Your dedication to building a strong, connected SCI community across Northeast Ohio has made this year truly special.
Thank You for a Successful 2024 Fundraiser!
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to our 5th annual trivia fundraiser! We are beyond grateful for your generosity. Your support ensures that we can continue providing valuable programming, resources, and opportunities to build connections with Northeast Ohio’s SCI community. After a wonderful night of trivia with our chapter members, along with their families and friends, we’re already looking forward to the next one!
What’s New in 2025?
Introducing: Connect-In the Community Meetups
We’re thrilled to launch a new program in 2025: Our Connect-In the Community meetups! To create meaningful opportunities for connection and support across our membership, this program offers a series of informal gatherings designed to bring together Northeast Ohio’s SCI community in a welcoming environment.
We had a blast at the first meetup in February, at FatHeads Brewery in Middleburg Heights. We were sorry to miss you if you weren’t able to make the first one, but stay tuned for future opportunities to Connect-In the community in April and September! We’ll select a new location for each gathering to make sure they’re accessible across Northeast Ohio.
These meetups are open to everyone – we encourage you to bring your friends and families to join us as we foster a stronger community, all while having fun and building connections with fellow chapter members. Stay tuned for upcoming dates and locations – we can’t wait to see you there!
2025 Programming
Connect-In Peer Mentoring
A strong social support system is so important for expanding support among our SCI community to those newly injured. Our Connect-In Peer Mentoring program enables chapter members to build meaningful relationships, while gaining valuable insights from one another’s experience and perspective after an injury. To participate, you must be at least 18 years old. Apply here if you’d like to be connected with a mentor. If you are at least one year post-injury and interested in sharing your knowledge and insights by mentoring a peer, you can apply here.
Monthly meetings
Our monthly meetings take place the 3rd Monday every month at 7pm ET. This year, we’re hosting more virtual social hours to give chapter members more opportunities to get to know and learn from one another. We’re also coordinating several presentations by community members working to support the SCI community, covering a range of topics. Find the schedule and Zoom registration links here, and as always, watch recordings of previous meetings here.
Upcoming Chapter Events: Save the Date!
Car Show & Cookout – June 7, 2025, 12-3 pm
Location: MetroHealth Old Brooklyn Medical Center
Handcycle & Picnic in the Park – Saturday, August 16, 11am-3pm
Location: Cleveland Metroparks’ Cottonwood Reserved Shelter in Fairview Park, south of Puritas & Mastick Road
Trivia Fundraiser – Saturday, November 15, 2025
Location TBD!
Metrohealth’s Annual Spinal Cord Injury Forum
Save the date for MetroHealth’s 28th Annual SCI Forum, on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 9am to 3pm ET! Attendees will have the chance to network with peers, professionals, and organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with SCI. The SCI forum is returning in person again, after transitioning to a virtual setting during the pandemic.
Being able to learn about and discuss navigating life after an SCI – including both challenges and opportunities – is an invaluable experience, and we can’t wait to share with you, face-to-face! Read reflections on last year’s forum from our chapter’s President, Megan Hammond Nechols, and watch recordings of the 2024 forum sessions here.
Thank you for your continued support!
As we move into the new year, we remain committed to expanding our outreach, strengthening our programs, and ensuring that every individual impacted by SCI has access to the resources and support they need. Be sure to visit our website for the latest updates, event announcements, and stories that celebrate our members. You can check out our blog – updated weekly in partnership with the NORSCIS Team – and stay up-to-date on our events and programs by following us on Facebook or visiting our calendar page!
If you’re interested in getting involved—whether through volunteering, leadership opportunities, or program development—we would love to hear from you!
Thank you to our chapter members who are essential to our mission of serving the SCI community. Your support, participation, and passion make everything we do possible. We look forward to another great year of building community and creating lasting impact in 2025!
