Play Harder, Longer: St. Luke’s McCall Foundation’s campaign expands rehabilitation services and orthopedic care

St. Luke’s McCall Foundation recently launched its Play Harder, Longer campaign to raise $1.5 million in support of expanded outpatient rehabilitation therapy services and advanced orthopedic care.

“This campaign is rooted in a simple belief, that our neighbors deserve high-quality care close to home, so they can keep doing what they love, longer,” said Jenny Ruemmele, St. Luke’s McCall executive director.

Funds raised through community generosity will help renovate St. Luke’s McCall’s building at 212 Third Street, doubling the space available for outpatient therapy to approximately 5,000 square feet. The campaign also supports advanced orthopedic surgical care, including the recent addition of the Mako robotic arm-assisted technology for total knee replacement surgery bringing leading-edge technology to the community.

Currently, rehabilitation therapy is offered at the St. Luke’s Lake Street Center on the hospital campus. Due to recent growth of the community, demand for these services has exceeded the facility’s capacity, with nonemergency rehab therapy wait times reaching eight weeks — and even longer for pediatric patients. Despite expanding clinic hours from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., the team of six physical therapists, two occupational therapists, two speech-language pathologists and two support staff can accommodate more patients but continue to face challenges in scheduling due to significant space constraints.

“Our therapists’ schedules are fully booked and can’t keep pace with the increasing volume of referrals,” said Connie Crogh, McCall outpatient rehabilitation services manager.

The planned remodel of the Third Street building will improve access to care by reducing wait times and to better serve patients. Design work is currently underway. Once finalized, St. Luke’s construction team will finalize cost estimates and contractor bids, followed by the City of McCall permitting process.

“We hope everything will be in place and begin the remodel work in the fall of 2026,” said Amber Green, St. Luke’s McCall chief operating and nurse officer.

The expanded facility will include:

• An adult physical therapy gym accommodating multiple patients
• A dedicated pediatric gym
• Private treatment areas for physical, speech, and occupational therapy
• Increased staff workspace
• Separate adult and pediatric waiting areas

St. Luke’s McCall Foundation is dedicated to advancing the health and wellness of the community by supporting programs, services and facilities of St. Luke’s McCall.

“Through additional philanthropic support, the St. Luke’s McCall Foundation wants to help ensure our community has access to exceptional care close to home — today and for generations to come,” Ruemmele said.