Photo Caption: (left to right) Front row: Dr. Shivaram, Pulmonologist; Carol Ann Matthews, RN; Luanne Tavares, RN; Jessica Graham, Exercise Physiologist; Macey Mills, Exercise Physiologist.  Back row: Jesse Rollins, Supervisor of Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab & Medical Fitness Center; Donna Jarrell, Director of Rehab Services; Todd Howell, Vice President of Professional Services.

VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital is proud to announce the certification of its pulmonary rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of VCU Health CMH’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients 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 live healthier.  Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

To earn accreditation, VCU Health CMH pulmonary rehabilitation program 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 related professional societies. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

“We applaud the excellent teamwork and coordination required within the rehabilitation staff to achieve this certification.  We truly care about our patients and it shows,” said Donna Jarrell, Director of Rehab Services, VCU Health CMH.

In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are 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. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.

VCU Health CMH also offers an AACVPR certified Cardiac Rehabilitation program.  For more information on Cardiac Rehabilitation, please call (434) 584-5401; and for more information on Pulmonary Rehabilitation, please call (434) 584-5402.