LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – On Oct. 26, Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute-Little Rock (BHRI) will celebrate its 50th anniversary. As Arkansas’ largest, most comprehensive and frequently awarded rehabilitation hospital, BHRI also operates 15 outpatient therapy centers across central Arkansas.
BHRI stands as the state’s sole inpatient rehabilitation facility certified by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury and amputation rehabilitation. It provides crucial support to individuals rebuilding their lives after life-altering events.
For half a century, BHRI has focused on patient recovery and adaptation to injuries and illnesses, treating over 1,500 patients annually. Kourtney Matlock, president of BHRI, notes that without the institute, many of these cases would require out-of-state care.
“We are here to support them along the way, and because of that, our staff and providers connect with them in a way you don’t get to see in most health care settings,” Matlock said. “We are the patient’s coaches, their biggest fan and their eternal support.”
For five consecutive years, Newsweek and Statista have recognized BHRI as the best rehabilitation hospital in Arkansas, commending its high quality of care, service, follow-up care and accommodations.
The institute is dedicated to helping patients regain function and live their fullest lives, employing innovative rehabilitation programs. In 1978, BHRI established a therapeutic recreation department featuring activities like bowling, swimming, target practice, and wheelchair basketball. In 2009, thanks to a donation from the family of former patient David Shoptaw, BHRI launched David’s Village, a community training center that aids patients in their transition back to daily life.
In 2011, BHRI made history as the first rehabilitation hospital in Arkansas to receive an Arkansas Governor’s Quality Award for Performance from Gov. Mike Beebe.
For more details on Baptist Health rehabilitation and therapy services, visit BaptistHealthRehab.com.
About Baptist Health
For more than a century, Baptist Health has delivered all our best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health, Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization, is here For You. For Life. – with more than 300 points of access that include 12 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 75 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; and a graduate residency program. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 12,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. Baptist Health is certified as a Great Place to Work and is honored by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Admired Workplaces 2026. For more information about Baptist Health, visit Baptist-Health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app. Find us on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.