Submitted photoThe Anderson Cardiopulmonary Rehab Program is overseen by medical directors Dr. Edward Holmes, pulmonologist (far left), and Dr. Dave Russell, cardiologist (far right). Jennifer Bell, RN, BSN, director of Cardiovascular Service Line (back row, second from left), serves as Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program Director. The program is staffed by (front row, from left to right) Regina Haralson, RN, Nurse Manager, Monica Hagan, RN, Renea Hardy, RN and Glenda Hall, RN (back row, second from right).

Anderson Regional Health System has announced the certification of its Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).

Anderson 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.

 “As a certified program, we are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because we offer the most advanced practices available,” said Regina Haralson, RN, Nurse Manager of Anderson Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program. “We are proud to receive recognition for our commitment to improve our patients’ quality of life.”

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory diagnoses,) recover faster and improve their quality of life. The program includes exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families.

John G. Anderson, president and CEO of ARHS, said, “As the area’s only provider of cardiopulmonary rehab, we take great pride in our ability to help patients get back to the life they deserve. We are very proud of the program’s staff for voluntarily submitting themselves to this rigorous process to achieve certification and be recognized for the outstanding work they do each and every day.”

Anderson’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program began in 1989 and is located inside Anderson Health and Fitness Center. Patients are introduced to the fitness center’s exercise equipment during their rehabilitation, which enables them to safely transition to a healthy, active lifestyle upon completion of the program.

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 ARHS

As the most comprehensive health system in East Mississippi and West Alabama, Anderson Regional Health System is the established leader in offering premier medical services. With two hospitals and a network of clinics, Anderson’s healthcare professionals are committed to the mission of providing a heritage of healing and improving life for the people they serve.