History

The origins of Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center can be traced back to the need for medical rehabilitation care during World War I, when men were transferred to Camp Fort Custer just outside the city of Battle Creek, Michigan. In 1921, the hospital transitioned to management by the American Legion and was primarily focused in treating servicemen returning with tuberculosis.

The hospital was officially dedicated as Roosevelt American Legion Hospital on November 7, 1921. For the first ten years, the only patients were male veterans, but then patients from other counties in the state, women and children (mostly family members of veterans) were treated.

By 1954, the hospital reached a pinnacle of 246 beds. It had up-to-date facilitates and  "brought fame and commendation to Battle Creek from all parts of the nation."

In 1958, tuberculosis care started phasing out with the last patient discharged from the hospital with this condition in 1961. For a short period the facility incorporated as a general hospital with its own board and medical staff, continuing its specialization in the area of physical medical rehabilitation. In 1963 the hospital refocused its services and became fully dedicated to rehabilitative medicine. During this year the hospital's name was changed to - Southwestern Michigan Regional Rehabilitation Center of the American Legion Hospital.

In 1972, the hospital moved to the downtown area of Battle Creek and located to the site of the original Community Hospital and was incorporated as Southwestern Michigan Rehabilitation Hospital.

Over the more recent years the hospital has been marketed under the name of Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center and continues to provide specialized comprehensive rehabilitation therapy services for all age groups. It is our goal to assist patients in attaining the highest functional level possible and to enhance their quality of life though the rehabilitation process.

 

Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center 393 E. Roosevelt Battle Creek, Michigan  49017 269.965.3206