January News from Whittier Health Network

Jan 01, 2026 5:31 pm

JANUARY 2026

Our monthly newsletter is dedicated to keeping you informed about people, news and events at our hospitals and transitional care units in Haverhill and Westborough, MA. At Whittier, we are dedicated to your well-being!

Giving Back | Giving Trees

🎄 Whittier’s giving trees gave joy to many! 🎄

Staff at both Whittier hospitals adopted local families and donated holiday toys and gifts. At Bradford, we teamed up with the YMCA of the North Shore to help 10 adopted families have a wonderful Christmas. At Westborough, Whittier employees teamed up with St. Luke the Evangelist Parish to give back to the Westborough community that helps our patients!

Giving Back | Toys for Tots

Whittier Bradford helped Stan Draper Marine Toys for Tots Foundation make Christmas extra special for local children 🎅 🎁 ✨

Collectively, our employees and visitors filled two big boxes with gifts! Whittier staff have alway been very caring and we are proud of this accomplishment! Check our facebook page for more staff news and activities.

Patient Success | Whittier Westborough

James Kennelly on his life-changing physical recovery at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital–Westborough.

At Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital-Westborough, we are proud of the many success stories that result from our care. When a patient asks us to share their experience publicly, it is especially meaningful. One such patient, Mr. James Kennelly, shared a heartfelt review upon his discharge from transitional care and encouraged us to share his story.

Celebrating Staff | Years of Service Awards

Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital-Westborough celebrated employees’ years of service 💪💪💪

We recently celebrated Carly Silletti, RN for her 10 years of service (photo at left with Ed Olbris, DON). We also thanked Respiratory Therapist Michael Pitelli, who has helped countless patients breathe easier in the past 20 years (right photo). Jodi Stevens, RN Nursing Supervisor, also received a certificate for an amazing 25 years at Whittier! We are grateful for their service! Check out our facebook page for more employee news and activities.

Service Spotlight | Speech Therapy

Speech-language pathologists teach strategies to improve chewing and swallowing, assist people to relearn communication skills, and help improve a patient’s cognitive skills.

Patients who have difficulty swallowing or communicating, or have impaired cognitive skills, are evaluated by a licensed speech-language pathologist and treatment is provided as warranted. Speech-language pathologists collaborate with professionals in other disciplines to ensure that every patient reaches their highest level of function and independence during their recovery at Whittier. Speech therapy supports overall health outcomes!

Seasonal advice | Winter sports injuries

If you missed our newsletter last month, we are including this information again now that winter is in full swing!

Michael Sefton, Ph.D. has treated a lot of winter sports traumatic brain injuries during his career. In this blog he shared some thoughts on the causes, treatments, and prevention of these frequently devastating injuries - useful information for anyone who engages in winter sports.

Did you know?

• A physiatrist is a physician specially trained in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. They provide whole-patient care designed to help their patients regain physical functionality and overcome impairments due to chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.

• Did you know that we offer a weekly Aphasia group at our Westborough location? If you or a loved one has difficulty communicating due to Aphasia, you may benefit from group therapy! Contact our outpatient department for more details at (508) 871-2077.

• Did know that Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital-Westborough offers Outpatient Physical Therapists mother’s hours? A PT career at Whittier offers flexibility along with quality, consistency, and a sense of purpose. We’re happy to consider early shift hours versus later shift hours depending upon an applicant's availability....because we know life happens outside of work, too! Click below for our PT job listings.

Mark your Calendar! | Events at Whittier

New Year’s Resolutions | A healthier you!

This New Year, making your health a priority is more important than ever.

It’s up to you to adopt practices that will make a positive difference in your life. Whether you make just one change - or five or more - any healthful change is a step in the right direction! Advice and resources are available at your fingertips. Here are some great places to start:

5 WAYS

10 WAYS

FOR DIABETICS

National Polar Plunge Month | January’s chilly tradition

A cold-water plunge has several potential health benefits!

Some participants say that the shock of cold water helps them feel more awake and energized. Others describe a rush of endorphins which can enhance and boost mood. Quick cold exposure may also help with circulation, as blood vessels narrow and then widen again once you warm up. Many people enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes right after the plunge. Even though polar plunges are generally safe for healthy people, there are some situations where caution is important, so always check with your healthcare provider first.