CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs has been awarded the 2018 American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) Program Certification.

The AACVPR certification is awarded for a period of three years. Hot Springs, the only certified program certified in its region, was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

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 symptoms,) recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families.

"Our cardiovascular/pulmonary rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices, " said Mike Long, nurse manager of the Hot Springs Heart Center. "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."

Learn more about our cardiac rehab program and locations.