Wallingford's Gaylord Specialty Healthcare was named Connecticut's only National MS Society rehabilitation partner and received two $10,000 grants to support specialized care programs.
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Earns National MS Care Designation
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare in Wallingford was designated Connecticut's only Rehabilitation Partner in MS Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on March 2, 2026, recognizing the facility's comprehensive programs supporting patients with multiple sclerosis.
The designation acknowledges facilities that meet rigorous clinical standards for MS care, including interdisciplinary care teams, patient education, and long-term support services. Gaylord, located at 50 Gaylord Farm Road in Wallingford, is now the sole facility in the state to hold this designation.
Two $10,000 Grants Awarded in February
Separate from the MS Society recognition, Gaylord received two $10,000 grants in February 2026 from the Robert S. Smith Family Foundation and the Echlin Foundation to support its specialized rehabilitation services.
Roslyn Gilhuly, Associate Vice President of Development at Gaylord, said the philanthropic support is central to the organization's ability to deliver care. "These funds allow us to continue delivering high-quality, patient-centered care," Gilhuly said.
The two foundations are Connecticut-based philanthropic organizations that have provided charitable support to healthcare and community organizations in the region. The $20,000 combined grant funding will support targeted rehabilitation programs, including services that may not be fully reimbursed through insurance.
Former Patient Now Works at Gaylord
A 20-year-old Wallingford man who was treated at Gaylord following a devastating car accident has since joined the hospital's staff as a mobility technician.
Jim Cohrs was injured in January 2025 in an auto crash that left him with a snapped femur, a shattered kneecap, a shattered foot and ankle, a partially torn ACL, and two broken ribs that resulted in a collapsed lung. He was transferred to Gaylord in Wallingford, where he spent three months in intensive rehabilitation.
After his recovery, Cohrs returned to Gaylord -- this time as an employee. He now works as a mobility technician at the same facility where he underwent therapy.
Carrie Cuozzo, a registered nurse at Gaylord who cared for Cohrs during his hospitalization, now leads him as a supervisor in his new role. The transition from patient to colleague reflects the kind of recovery trajectory that Gaylord's staff say represents the hospital's mission.
About Gaylord Specialty Healthcare
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a nonprofit medical rehabilitation facility located on Gaylord Farm Road in Wallingford, serving patients recovering from neurological conditions, traumatic injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other complex medical needs. It offers both inpatient and outpatient services, drawing patients from across Connecticut and neighboring states.
Gaylord has received several significant grants in recent years, including a $75,000 grant from the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority and a $33,750 grant from the Timken Foundation in late 2025, both directed at expanding clinical services and nursing education.
The National MS Society designation as a Rehabilitation Partner in MS Care adds to Gaylord's profile as a specialized neurorehabilitation center. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological condition affecting the central nervous system, often requiring ongoing rehabilitation to manage symptoms and maintain function. Connecticut has approximately 14,000 residents living with MS, according to national estimates.
Foundation Giving and Local Impact
The Echlin Foundation, headquartered in Branford, and the Robert S. Smith Family Foundation, based in East Hartford, are among a network of Connecticut-based philanthropic organizations that direct funding to healthcare nonprofits like Gaylord.
Grant funding from private foundations plays an important role in sustaining specialty rehabilitation programs that fall outside standard insurance reimbursement. Wallingford residents who need advanced rehabilitation services, particularly for neurological conditions like MS, benefit from the specialized programming that philanthropic support helps maintain.
Got a tip? Reach out to us at tips@thequinnipiacpost.com.
Never miss Wallingford news
Free local news delivered to your inbox — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.
