Encompass Health Panama City celebrates National Rehabilitation Awareness Week

Sept. 17, 2026 – Patients and staff at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Panama City celebrated National Rehabilitation Awareness Week with a 1920s-themed event designed to recognize progress in recovery and the employees who help make that progress possible. The celebration showed the important role morale, social connection and encouragement can play in the rehabilitation process.

"Patients here can spend hours each day working on regaining strength, mobility and independence after an illness or injury, but hospital leaders say recovery isn't just physical," NewsChannel 7 reported. "A big part of it is also mental."

Throughout the event, patients and employees embraced the theme with decorations, a photo booth and crafts. Hospital leaders said activities like these offer patients an opportunity to socialize, recognize milestones and take a break from the daily demands of rehabilitation. The event also served as a chance to recognize employees for their dedication to helping patients achieve their recovery goals.

"We try to find a reason to celebrate because we know that every time we do, it lifts people's spirits and helps with morale," said Tony Bennett, CEO of Encompass Health Panama City. "If my employees are having a good time and enjoy coming to work, the patients are going to have a good time and enjoy the process."

For patients, the celebration provided more than just a change of pace.

"It takes your mind off what you're working toward," said Regina Goodwill, a patient at the hospital. "It makes you a little bit more happy and a little bit more cheerful to go into what you're supposed to be doing."

National Rehabilitation Awareness Week is observed annually to recognize the impact rehabilitation hospitals and clinicians have on helping patients regain function, independence and quality of life after illness or injury.