With the AHA, Beth Abraham Center Launches Cardiac Care Program

Beth Abraham Center, a Centers Health Care 448-bed nursing and rehabilitation facility on Allerton Avenue, introduced its’ highly state-of-the-art Cardiac Care Program in a wine and cheese event on February 27. Given that February is Heart Month, as designated yearly by the American Heart Association (AHA), members of the organization, along with local community leaders and hospital personnel from the cardiac and post-acute care fields, joined Beth Abraham Center on this very exciting day.

Moshe Blackstein, Beth Abraham’s Administrator, presented a number of slides to what the new Cardiac Care Unit will look like when it’s complete. The new unit will be a major step up from what exists today as far as space and technology. He addressed the importance of the new Cardiac Telemetry In-Room technology with its live-stream monitor displays, plus other breakthrough offerings the facility has to offer. Blackstein also pointed out how Beth Abraham Center offers everything possible for their residents’ heart health, as well as having a top diet and nutrition department for their residents.

“I am very proud of the work we do here at Beth Abraham when it comes to cardiac care,” said Blackstein. “We are very excited about the future of the upcoming new unit because it will have everything in terms of heart health.”

Following a clinical overview by the facility’s Medical Director, Dr. Carlos Tellechea, about having a strong in-house cardiac care unit, Shandra Falk, Director of Community Impact with the American Heart Association talked about the importance of educating the community and how the AHA is a vital resource for everyone.

“The American Heart Association can only achieve its mission of being a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives when we build powerful partnerships with organizations like Centers Health Care and Beth Abraham Center who are health and community focused,” said Shandra Faulk, Director of Community Impact, American Heart Association. “We are very excited to collaborate to expand heart health education and self-monitoring blood pressure tools into the Bronx. Increasing access to blood pressure education and resources will aide members as they reach their personal health goals."

Bronx-based Centers Health Care, one of the leading continuums of nursing homes and rehabilitation centers in the northeast and Midwest, and the AHA have a strong relationship. Last October, Centers Health Care, secured Target: BP Gold Recognition by the AHA and the American Medical Association in only its first year of participation. The American Heart Association recognizes Centers Health Care’s commitment to the improvement, leadership and advances of cardiovascular health, thus achieving this very prestigious recognition this year. Centers Health Care and the AHA together designed a website for the Bronx community called Get Heart Strong, www.getheartstrong.com.