Allegheny Health Network’s Allegheny Valley Hospital Celebrates Opening of $6.2 Million Expanded Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

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NATRONA HEIGHTS, Pa. (January 15, 2026) - Allegheny Health Network (AHN) today celebrated the opening of a significantly expanded inpatient rehabilitation unit at AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital (AVH), marking a major milestone in the hospital's ongoing investment in advanced, patient-centered care for the Allegheny Valley region.

Hospital leaders, clinicians, community partners, and donors gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the newly renovated and expanded unit, which represents a $6.2 million investment and establishes AVH as AHN's center of excellence for inpatient rehabilitation services.

Construction began in July 2025 and included 12 new inpatient rehabilitation beds, bringing the unit's total to 29. This effort created a newly consolidated, state-of-the-art unit designed to support recovery for patients with complex medical, neurological, and orthopedic needs. This expansion has also allowed AVH to strengthen its dedicated team by welcoming 36 new employees, including skilled nurses, therapists, and essential support staff, all committed to delivering exceptional patient outcomes.

"Today's opening represents a meaningful commitment to the health and future of the Allegheny Valley community," said Mark A. Rubino, MD, president of AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital. "This expanded unit allows us to care for more patients, offer the most advanced rehabilitation therapies available, and continue delivering exceptional outcomes for individuals recovering from serious injuries, illnesses, and surgeries."

The enhanced rehabilitation unit builds on AVH's Gold Seal of Approval® from The Joint Commission for Traumatic Brain Injury rehabilitation, positioning the hospital at the forefront of evidence-based, specialized rehab care. The program serves patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries and strokes, as well as spinal cord injuries, neurological conditions, orthopedic surgeries, and general debilities following extended hospital stays.

The new unit features a comprehensive suite of advanced rehabilitation technologies designed to help patients regain mobility, strength, cognitive function, and independence more quickly and safely. Equipment includes overground gait and fall-prevention systems, body-weight-supported treadmill training, functional electrical stimulation for upper and lower extremities, immersive virtual reality therapy, cognitive and driving assessment tools, and innovative speech and swallowing therapies.

"These technologies allow our teams to safely get patients moving earlier in their recovery while providing more precise, personalized therapy," said Jeff Carlson, chief operating officer of AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital. "By centralizing inpatient rehab services here at Allegheny Valley and investing in leading-edge equipment, we are creating a true destination for high-quality rehabilitation care in this region."

A significant new addition is the Bioness Vector system, a smart harness connected to a ceiling-mounted robotic track. This system enhances patient safety by tracking movements in real-time and preventing falls. The unit also includes the LokoStation, a specialized treadmill system that uses adjustable body-weight support to assist patients through every phase of the gait cycle.

Philanthropic support played a key role in bringing the expanded unit to life. The Alle-Kiski Medical Center Trust contributed nearly $300,000 to support the purchase of major rehabilitation equipment, including the Bioness Vector system and the Lokostation.

In addition to clinical enhancements, AVH has also invested in healing environments that support overall wellness.

Last summer, AVH unveiled a new Healing Garden and Courtyard, a beautification project made possible by generous donations from the Alle-Kiski Medical Center Trust and the Schaub family, among others. Located at the hospital's front entrance, the garden offers a peaceful retreat for hospital employees, patients in recovery, and members of the community. The space features landscaped greenery, seating, a flagpole, and commemorative signage honoring the legacy of the Schaub family and its patriarch, David Schaub, MD, a long-time AVH physician.

"The opening of this unit, and the healing spaces that surround it, demonstrates our long-term commitment to this community," said Dr. Rubino. "We are investing not only in advanced medical care, but in environments that promote healing, dignity, and hope."