Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems

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Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems

The SCIMS Program began in 1970 to improve care and outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury. There are currently 18 SCIMS centers funded.
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The Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) Program began in 1970 to improve care and outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The SCIMS centers provide a multidisciplinary system of rehabilitation care ranging from emergency services through rehabilitation and reentry into full community life. SCIMS centers also conduct research, provide education, and disseminate information with

the goal of improving long-term functional, vocational, cognitive, and quality-of-life outcomes for individuals with SCI. The Model System Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) is national center that translates health information into easy to understand language and formats for patients with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and burn injury. The MSKTC works closely with researchers in the SCIMS to develop free, research-based resources for people living with SCI and their supporters. Find the information you need to live well with spinal cord injury! Information on our page is not meant to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should consult your health care provider regarding specific medical concerns or treatment.

12/24/2025

Warm wishes for a peaceful holiday season from the MSKTC team.

12/04/2025

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth at ! We loved connecting folks who share our commitment to improving the lives of people with burn injuries, SCI, and TBI.

10/24/2025

Researchers with the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems will be hosting an interactive webinar “Aging with SCI: Taking Charge of Preventive Care,” November 18, 6:00 – 8:00 pm (ET) via Zoom. This interactive session will bring together clinicians and persons with lived experience to share insights and strategies for staying healthy with SCI. Register to attend: http://bit.ly/4oqsvWR

09/19/2025

Rehabilitation transforms lives in powerful ways. This , we celebrate how rehabilitation:

1 | Restores independence
2 | Improves quality of life
3 | Supports caregivers
4 | Builds stronger communities

At MSKTC, we’re proud to share free, research-based resources that advance rehabilitation outcomes for people with SCI, TBI, and burn injuries. Explore more at MSKTC.org.

09/11/2025

September is SCI Awareness Month 💙 Since 1970, the Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) Program has advanced care, research, and resources to improve life after SCI. Today, 18 centers across the U.S. continue this vital work. Explore SCI resources: https://msktc.org/SCI

09/04/2025

Looking for resources this Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month? MSKTC offers videos, factsheets, infocomics, and more on 25+ topics to support people with SCI, their families, and professionals. Explore them today! https://msktc.org/SCI

08/20/2025

Meet Cynthia—MSKTC Ambassador, baker, K-drama fan, and advocate for people with SCI. She calls MSKTC resources “exceptional” for their clarity, quality, & real-world relevance. We’re proud to have her as one of our ambassadors! Learn more about Cynthia - https://msktc.org/sci/ambassador-program/directory/cynthia-overton

08/08/2025

Wearable robotic exoskeletons can help some people with spinal cord injury (SCI) stand, walk, and move without a harness or treadmill. This technology offers potential benefits—like improved strength, reduced pain, and better bone density—but also has risks and limitations.

The factsheet explains:
✅ What exoskeletons are and how they work
✅ Who may qualify for exoskeletal-assisted walking (EAW)
✅ Potential benefits, risks, and limitations
✅ How to access training or get a device for home use

Read the full factsheet: https://msktc.org/sci/factsheets/exoskeleton-and-spinal-cord-injury

07/28/2025

Meet Tammy Boyd—mom, grandma, photographer, and SCI/TBI rehab leader! As an MSKTC Ambassador, she spreads the word about tools that support independence, healing, and resilience. Check out Tammy’s story: https://msktc.org/tbi/ambassador-program/directory/tammy-boyd

07/21/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Trevor Dyson-Hudson, Dr. Jeanne Zanca, Dr. John O’Neil, and Adria De Simone from the Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System at Kessler Foundation for receiving the 2025 Jayanthi Lectureship Award from the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (ASCIP)!

This prestigious award is presented to the highest scoring abstract submitted by a member of ASCIP’s American Paraplegia Society (APS) section. Their platform presentation, “No, It’s Not Too Early! Early Intervention Vocational Resource Facilitation Services in Spinal Cord Injury,” will be featured at the ASCIP 2025 Conference this September.

07/16/2025

Looking for trusted, easy-to-understand information about living with spinal cord injury? Our SCI Factsheet Booklet now includes all factsheets published through June 2025—covering everything from rehab and recovery to aging, exercise, mental health, bladder and bowel management, and more.

Download the full booklet and explore topics like:
• Inpatient Rehab
• Adaptive Sports
• Sexuality & SCI
• Pain Management
• PTSD & Mental Health
• Wheelchair Maintenance
… and much more.

Get your copy here:https://msktc.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/25-22418-SCI-Booklet-EN-061125-NEW_0.pdf

06/06/2025

At the MSKTC, Charles (“Charlie”) Wheeler wears many hats – but his superpower? Keeping you informed. He spearheads our MSKTC Headlines newsletter and plays a key role in website updates and user testing to make sure everything meets the needs of the people who rely on our resources.

Address

Washington D.C., DC

Telephone

+12024035600

Website

http://www.msktc.org/sci/

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