The National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) has selected the Rio Grande Chapter as Outstanding New Chapter.

Sukie Armendariz, representing the rehabilitation specialists at Rio Vista Physical Rehabilitation Hospital, received the national award at the NSCIA annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

The local chapter and support group, housed at Rio Vista, provides peer counseling, information and resources to brain and spinal cord injury patients and their families.

The staff and volunteers are being recognized for their significant work in addressing the needs of Hispanics and Native Americans with spinal cord or brain injuries. The NSCIA also is acknowledging the Rio Grande Chapter's educational outreach in violence prevention. The chapter works with area schools in an effort to reduce violently acquired head and spinal cord injuries, including those from gunshot wounds.

"National recognition by their peers illustrates our staff's dedication and the quality of comprehensive care these trained professionals provide through Rio Vista's brain and spinal cord injury program," says Theresa Urquhart, chief operating officer of Rio Vista.

These programs are designed to help individuals who have suffered traumatic brain or spinal cord injury to increase their level of independence and enhance their abilities to perform the activities of daily living.

Physicians, nurses, and occupational, physical and speech therapists offer treatment programs designed to meet each patient's individual needs. Outpatient services, support groups and other resources help the entire family deal with traumatic illness or injury.

Rio Vista Physical Rehabilitation Hospital has been providing comprehensive rehabilitative services to the greater West Texas, New Mexico and Northern Mexico region for more than ten years. For more information, call (915) 577-6000.