As we celebrate Independence Day, the United Spinal Association Northeast Ohio (USANEO) Chapter wishes you and your loved ones a safe, fun, and memorable holiday! The Fourth of July is a time to gather with family and friends, enjoy backyard barbecues, watch fireworks, and celebrate the freedoms we cherish. Whether you’re attending a community event...Continue Reading

By Amanda Simmons, PT, DPT Transferring safely and efficiently is a daily reality for many people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Whether you’re moving from your wheelchair to a bed, couch, or another surface, the right technique and setup can make transfers easier, safer, and less physically demanding—while also protecting your skin and...Continue Reading

We’d like to introduce you to our featured member, Dale Seibel. Hailing from Northeast Ohio, Dale has worked closely with the MetroHealth System for over thirty years. His resilience shines through as he manages spinal cord health issues dating back to 1992 and a recent recurrence of April 2025.  “Dale’s journey with the MetroHealth System...Continue Reading

The MSKTC works closely with researchers in the 18 Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model System Centers to develop resources for people living with spinal cord injury and their supporters. They have several user-friendly resources that are grounded in evidence and available in a variety of formats such as printable PDF documents, videos, and slideshows.  Areas...Continue Reading

Pressure relief is the single most critical element in wound care and mobility management for people living with spinal cord injuries. Each transfer we make—whether from wheelchair to bed, toilet, car, or another surface—requires intention, care, and awareness. These everyday movements may seem routine, but over time they play a significant role in protecting (or...Continue Reading

MetroHealth’s research department has updated our system for study payments and will no longer be utilizing the Clincard Greenphire system. All participants will now be paid on Rellevate reloadable debit cards. This tip sheet will serve to answer FAQs about Rellevate’s system.  How do I register and activate my card? A member of the research...Continue Reading

by Don Johnston A spinal cord injury is an occurrence that changes and disrupts our lives forever.  Our focus and priorities switch to maintaining and improving our quality of life.  With the assistance and encouragement of our doctors, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, counselors, and family, we can decide to re-enter the job market.  So, the question...Continue Reading

Ben Petrie was born and grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota. Stillwater is a medium-sized suburb of Minneapolis, on the eastern border of Minnesota and Wisconsin. He has one older brother, Ian Petrie. He went to college at the University Minnesota-Twin Cities, majoring in microbiology and physiology. He went to medical school at Boston University School...Continue Reading

The Model System Knowledge and Translation Center (MSKTC) is a national center that helps facilitate the knowledge translation process to make research meaningful to those with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Burn Injury. Last newsletter, we featured the Factsheet on adaptive sports and recreation and how to get involved in your community.  This...Continue Reading

By: Anvi Kshirsagar  Now that the cold and chilly weather is slowly transitioning to warmer temperatures that spring and summer bring, it presents the perfect opportunity to step outside and enjoy it. Luckily, Cleveland offers many adaptive activities that allow anyone to participate. From hand-cycling, kayaking, or participating in team sports, there is something for...Continue Reading