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Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs Receive Recertification

Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber (CSSMCW) is proud to announce the recertification of both its cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). CSSMCW was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

“I’m proud of the staff for achieving recertification. Because of their hard work and dedication, we can continue to provide quality, patient-centered care,” said Tom Anders, Director of Rehabilitation Services.

In order to obtain certification, CSSMCW’s cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee and Certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.

CSSMCW’s cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help heart and lung patients recover quickly from a heart attack, heart-related surgery, or a diagnosis of heart or pulmonary disease. A caring and compassionate team of healthcare professionals, including specialists, therapists, exercise physiologists, and dietitians, oversee the program tailored to fit each patient and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families. The programs are held in HealthStyles Fitness Center at CSSMCW, a national award-winning medical-based fitness facility unique to this area. HealthStyles features state-of-the-art cardiovascular and weight training equipment, a hydrotherapy pool, and an indoor walking track.

For more information about CSSMCW’s cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, please call 814-467-3892 (cardiac) or 814-467-3118 (pulmonary), or visit www.windbercare.org.

Pictured below L to R: Exercise Physiologist Lori Delic, Cardiac Rehab Supervisor Angie Rokita, Respiratory Therapist April Hicks, Pulmonary Rehab Patient Care Coordinator Tonya Imler, Cardiac Rehab Registered Nurse Cindy Zatek, and Exercise Physiologist Matt Brehm.

About AACVPR
Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improvement in quality of life for patients and their families.

About Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber
Founded in 1906, Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber (CSSMCW) is an independent, non-profit acute care hospital in northern Somerset County, bordering Cambria County. The 54-bed hospital shares a campus and collaborates with Chan Soon-Shiong Institute of Molecular Medicine at Windber (CSSIMMW), a private, non-profit biomedical research center. With more than 450 employees, CSSMCW is the fourth largest employer in Somerset County. CSSMCW’s mission is to provide excellence in personalized, quality health care services through innovation, research and education in response to community needs. For more information visit www.windbercare.org.