Shepherd Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research, and rehabilitation for people with complex conditions, including spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions.[1]
History
Shepherd Center was founded in 1975 when Harold and Alana Shepherd traveled to find care for their son James, who was paralyzed from the neck down in a body surfing accident in Rio de Janeiro.[2] Unable to find appropriate rehabilitation measures, the Shepherds began recruiting support from old friends in the community, then from every individual, foundation, and corporation who might help fund Shepherd Center.[3]
James served as chairman of the board of the center prior to his death in December 2019.[4] Alana Shepherd currently serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.[5]
Programs
Shepherd Center has led to the development of specialized treatment programs for adolescent patients (ages 12–17), adults, seniors (ages 50 and older), dual diagnosis patients, intensive care unit patients, and those with neuromuscular disorders. Shepherd Center offers rehabilitation for people who have had brain injuries, as well as people who have had complications from a stroke or tumor.[citation needed]
The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Institute at Shepherd is a treatment and rehabilitation center for people with multiple sclerosis.[citation needed]
Research
The Virginia C. Crawford Research Institute at Shepherd Center conducts neurological and neuromuscular research. Shepherd Center's research activities primarily focus on spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular disorders.
