The Jacksonville Memorial Hospital cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation program recently earned recertification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). The program first earned AACVPR certification in 2021.
“We are so proud to say we not only got certified once, but we continue to maintain these high standards,” said Alicia Riley, RN, cardiac rehab coordinator at JMH. “We may be a smaller hospital and smaller cardiac rehab program, but we strive to provide the best care and outcomes for our patients, and we will continue to prove that.”
AACVPR-certified programs are considered leaders in the cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high-quality patient care. To earn accreditation, Riley and exercise physiologist Dave Cesario participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices.
Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs help people with cardiovascular problems (heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms) recover faster. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.
“It is our time to shine and show the community that they can be confident in choosing us to help them get back on their feet after having a heart event,” Riley said.