Cone Health Unveils Innovative $1.5 Million Heart and Lung Rehab Center in Greensboro
Cone Health has introduced the state-of-the-art Leonard J. Kaplan Heart and Pulmonary Rehab Center in Greensboro, aiming to address an anticipated 40 percent increase in patient caseloads over the next ten years. This $1.5 million center will provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to patients recovering from heart and lung ailments, including heart attacks, valve replacement surgery, and pulmonary fibrosis.
Cone Health’s decision to establish the Leonard J. Kaplan Heart and Pulmonary Rehab Center is a proactive measure driven by the anticipated rise in cardiovascular diseases among Greensboro’s aging Baby Boomer population. According to Tracy Turner, Cone Health medical director, the increasing number of patients requiring rehabilitation services is primarily due to the aging demographic and the subsequent higher risk of cardiovascular ailments.
One of the core objectives behind the initiative is to reduce the life expectancy gap prevalent in east Greensboro, which is currently five years shorter than in other areas of the city. Recognizing the challenges faced by underserved populations in accessing healthy food and healthcare, Cone Health has already launched an initiative to provide mobile health units to address high blood pressure and deliver vital healthcare services.
During the unveiling ceremony, Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan emphasized the partnership between the city and Cone Health, applauding the healthcare provider’s commitment to improving healthcare in eastern Greensboro, historically an underserved area. The Leonard J. Kaplan Heart and Pulmonary Rehab Center is seen as a vital step towards meeting the healthcare needs of individuals in this community.
Spanning an impressive 11,000 square feet, the new rehab center is twice the size of Cone Health’s existing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation unit. The center has been equipped with cutting-edge exercise machines, a demonstration kitchen, and a relaxation studio, offering patients a holistic approach to rehabilitation that also addresses mental health.
The center’s design features a demonstration kitchen aimed at educating patients on nutrition and healthy eating habits. In addition, the inclusion of a meditation room provides patients with a dedicated space to enhance their mental well-being.
The facility’s namesake, Leonard Kaplan, is a revered figure in Greensboro, renowned for his philanthropic contributions to the community. Kaplan, a key driving force behind the creation of the Moses Cone Cardiac Unit, has been instrumental in leading the way for cardiac rehab programs in Greensboro. The decision to name the rehab center after him symbolizes the significant impact he has made on the healthcare landscape in the city.
Randall Kaplan, Leonard Kaplan’s son and former chairman of UNCG’s Board of Trustees, also addressed the crowd during the event. He expressed his pride in seeing his father’s dream of repairing the world come to fruition and donated $1 million to support the initiative.
The new Leonard J. Kaplan Heart and Pulmonary Rehab Center is an important milestone in Cone Health’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare services in Greensboro. By providing state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive rehabilitation programs, the center aims to enhance the recovery and overall well-being of patients with heart and lung conditions.
In conclusion, this $1.5 million investment by Cone Health signifies an important step in addressing a growing healthcare need in Greensboro. The Leonard J. Kaplan Heart and Pulmonary Rehab Center will play a crucial role in minimizing the life expectancy gap, providing cutting-edge rehabilitation services, and prioritizing mental health to ensure better long-term outcomes for patients with heart and lung ailments.
