In a significant milestone for South Jersey health care, Berlin Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center has announced the launch of its NeuroGen Stroke Recovery Program. The progressive subacute initiative is among the first in the nation to earn the Skilled Nursing Facility Stroke Rehabilitation Certification from the American Heart Association (AHA).
The certification establishes Berlin as a leader in stroke recovery, validating that the facility meets rigorous, science-based standards for clinical management, patient education, and care coordination.
The NeuroGen program is designed to move away from “one-size-fits-all” rehabilitation, instead tailoring therapies to the specific physical, cognitive, and emotional impacts of a patient’s stroke.
Leading the initiative is Dr. Tracey Harris, a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) with over 30 years of experience. Affiliated with the Virtua Medical Group, Harris oversees a multidisciplinary team focused on restoring independence through:
- Physical Function: Regaining strength, balance, and mobility.
- Communication: Overcoming speech and language deficits.
- Cognitive Strategy: Developing new ways to manage memory and task processing.
- Medical Management: Controlling pain and spasticity common in stroke survivors.
“When there are evidence-based processes during every phase of care, patients have the best opportunity for positive outcomes,” Pamela Duncan, PhD, volunteer chair of the AHA’s certification oversight workgroup, said.
To support the new program, the center has expanded its rehab therapy gym with cutting-edge technology specifically suited for neurological recovery. A highlight of the facility is its Activities of Daily Living (ADL) suite, a spacious area that mimics a home environment—complete with a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. This “mock home” allows patients to practice and regain essential daily skills in a safe environment before returning to their own residences.
“The holistic program prioritizes every aspect of an individual’s well-being,” Kate Bauer, regional director of market development at Marquis Health Consulting Services, which supports the facility, said. “At Berlin, the team is committed to employing the most innovative care.”
The launch comes at a critical time. According to the AHA’s 2025 statistical update, approximately 795,000 people in the U.S. experience a new or recurrent stroke each year, making it a leading cause of long-term disability.
By standardizing care from pre-admission to discharge, Berlin Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center aims to provide Camden County residents with a clear, high-quality path toward recovery that reduces the likelihood of long-term impairment.
