Baby steps

Agripina Rivera has seen a lot of progress in her son's attempts to walk again.

Rivera sat in the Permian Basin Rehabilitation Center lobby Monday filling out forms while her son, Raul, painstakingly took steps toward full mobility in the next room. He's been coming to the rehab center for about six months.

Agripina said through speech-language pathologist and impromptu interpreter Luis Salcido that she has lots of hope for Raul's resurgence, but it would be very difficult to pay for all his medical expense without help from Medicaid and Social Security disability checks.

Permian Basin rehab chief executive officer Risse Rogers sees a lot of families like the Riveras, and she's got a little more than $6,000 in the bank to help. 

City Council members recently gave the rehab center more time to spend Community Development Block Grant funding it received last year for patient therapy service. Block grants come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, so there are a lot of strict guidelines to determine who qualifies for free service, Rogers said.

But $1,000 - the most one patient can get - will typically cover 10 therapy sessions, and if patients don't qualify for part of last year's CDBG grant, the rehab center has assistance programs available to fill the gap.

"We don't want anyone to not get the help they need," Rogers said. "We asked for an extension because we're trying to get more patients in."

 Permian Basin Rehabilitation Center has been around since the '50s, specializing in physical, occupational and audiology therapy and speech-language pathology. They help anyone who's recently had surgery or a stroke, or anyone with a long-term disability.

 The only requirement is a doctor's referral, except for audiology patients. They can come on their own.

Rogers said the rehab center charges on a sliding scale that's based on income.

Therapist Jenny Holloman said rehab is essential for body and mind, especially after something like a stroke, where patients can get depressed because of lost mobility or slurred speech.

"Once they go through the physical therapy and see that they can do things that they couldn't before, that does make them feel better mentally," Holloman said.

WHO QUALIFIES:

The rehab center has a $6,000 grant to cover therapy expense for patients who qualify. Here's what you'll need:

>> You have to live within Odessa's city limits.

>> You have to meet income requirements. They range from $27,150 for one person to $51,200 for a family of eight.

>> No insurance coverage.

>> Proof of disability, child support or unemployment.

>> If you're employed, bring check stubs, income tax returns and any other relevant financial documents.

HOW TO HELP:

Support Permian Basin Rehabilitation Center by slicing into a juicy t-bone.

>> What: The Great American Steakout.

>> When: 7 p.m. Oct. 16.

>> Where: Commemorative Air Force Museum, 9600 Wright Drive in Midland.

>> How much: $50 per ticket. All proceeds benefit the rehab center.

>> Call: Becky Latham at 332-8244 to reserve a spot.