Heart and lung disease are the leading causes of death in Nebraska and throughout the United States. The benefits of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services reduce risk factors for heart and lung diseases, improve the ability to carry out activities of daily living, enhance quality of life and increase emotional stability. In our rural community, these services have seen tremendous growth over the past few years.

With success come challenges.

Community Hospital has begun a $21 million building project to expand the Medical Specialists Center, pharmacy, laboratory, kitchen, and mobile testing services. This project also includes expanding access to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services. The current space will nearly double with the construction of a 3,420 square foot center.

Expanding Access

Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services include diagnostic testing, Phase 2, and Phase 3 - a maintenance program that improves patient health, reduces risk factors, improves outlook and emotional stability, increases daily living activities and reduces hospital readmission.

The new cardiopulmonary rehabilitation center will nearly double the size of the current space. The spacious gym will allow for more equipment and more space to move around equipment. It will include a central nurses station, diagnostic testing room, waiting area, restroom and support offices. Monitoring technology and exercise equipment will also be improved. New to the department will be a walking track for participants with balance concerns and for six-minute walk assessments. A patient education room will be added to allow quiet, private, individual and group education.

Peace of Mind

Community Hospital has one of the few certified programs by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) in our region. A physician has to be immediately available to the rehabilitation department when patients are receiving care. 

Heart and lung patients have found cardiopulmonary rehabilitation to be a place they can exercise without fear and continue to improve their health. Knowing there are trained medical professionals close creates a sense of security. With dedicated staff our program encourages physical rehabilitation and fosters lifestyle changes through active monitoring, education and emotional support.

Have a Heart to Heart

Community Hospital Health Foundation has been challenged to raise $500,000 through our Heart to Heart campaign. Help support our efforts to expand cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services.

The new center will allow for more access and new features providing a premier rehabilitation center for patients affected by life changing cardiac and pulmonary disease. Rehabilitation provides patients hope, healing and a little more heart to heart with those they love.