September updates from Whittier Health Network

SEPTEMBER 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!

Celebrating Staff | Whittier Bradford

Jorge Salinas, Respiratory Therapist, was our June Distinguished Service Award winner! 👏

Jorge is a steady, reliable presence in the respiratory department, and is always willing to help out as needed. However, his ability to put patients at ease is the real story. One patient talked about how he reminded her of her father, who had passed away, and how his presence always made her feel safe.

More about Jorge

Celebrating Staff | Whittier Westborough

Bill Donovan, Materials Handler, was our August Distinguished Service Award winner! 👏

Bill takes immense pride in his work, keeping our supplies efficiently ordered and stocked. For months, he has quietly carried the workload of two people. Thanks to his sharp organizational skills, the transition has been seamless. Bill also created and maintains the vital supply systems that give our entire hospital staff the tools to succeed. We appreciate all that you do to benefit our staff and patients. Congratulations, Bill!

More staff stories on social!

Patient Success | Whittier Westborough

Mr. Cunningham’s unstoppable spirit and phenomenal stroke recovery at Whittier. 🙌💪 👣✨

Three months ago, Edwin Cunningham arrived at Whittier recovering from brain surgery and multiple strokes. He couldn't walk or breathe without medical assistance. His incredible determination has brought him a long way — he’s now walking independently with a walker! 💙 His inspiring advice for anyone facing recovery?

Celebrating Therapy Animals | Whittier Bradford

Meet Loki, our favorite therapy dog in training 🐕‍🦺

Loki visited us in August and made the rounds, visitng with staff. Hope, his “human” told us that Loki has just one final observation left before he graduates. We can’t wait until he visits again and starts working at Whittier.😍

More Loki pics

The Next Generation | Whittier Westborough

From family impact to future physician: how Whittier inspired Dr. Reuben Jacobson’s calling in rehabilitation medicine.

Dr. Reuben Jacobson, D.O., spent several weeks at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital-Westborough, shadowing Dr. Emilia Semenov and gaining valuable experience as a doctor in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. His career path had been inspired by his grandfather’s recovery at Whittier year ago, and the experience made a profound, lasting impact on Reuben.

Staff Cookouts | Whittier Bradford + Westborough

Our hospitals celebrated the end of summer with food, fun, and camaraderie.

Special thank you's go out to our Culinary and Maintenance teams and the Employee Activities Committee for all their hard work in making such memorable days for our staff at Bradford and Westborough. 👏👏

We’re Hiring in Westborough | Join Our Team!

Mark your Calendar! | Events at Whittier

Service Spotlight | Whittier Bradford

Whittier isn’t just delivering outpatient stroke rehab, we’re helping discover what makes stroke rehab work! 👏

Whittier’s Dr. Joan Breen and physical therapists Sandra Kiley and Angela Leonardo recently collaborated with researchers from Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University and Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences on new research into stroke recovery. Their work looks at how well stroke survivors can activate their calf muscles after a stroke — and how that connects to walking ability and daily activity. It's research that could help shape more targeted, effective rehab in the years ahead.

More about Outpatient Stroke Rehab

National Concussion Awareness Day | September 18

A concussion IS a brain injury, and should be taken seriously.

Loss of consciousness is rare, and symptoms can be subtle or delayed, which is why it’s important to know when to see a healthcare professional or seek emergency care after a fall, accident, or sports injury.