SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Regional West Medical Center is proud to announce the certification of the Rehab Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).

The Regional West cardiovascular rehabilitation program is designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g. heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, etc.) recover faster and improve their quality of life. The program includes exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

The AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by the AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR National Certification Committee and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

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

Lynn Macken, RN, MA, MSN, the Rehab Center’s Manager of Cardiopulmonary Rehab, said it is an honor for the program to receive national certification and a credit to the staff who work so hard to help patients maintain their health and strength.

“Thanks to all of our cardiac and pulmonary patients who have given us the opportunity and privilege to work with them,” said Macken. I’d also like to thank the nurses in Cardiac Rehab for their dedication, skills, and the caring they show to our patients. And finally thanks to Dr. Kent Lacey for his continued support of the program as our Medical Director.”

The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, founded in 1985, 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.

Regional West Health Services is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.