Hospital Raises $99,000 to Help Heart Association

COURT HOUSE — Cape Regional Medical Center has been an American Heart Association (AHA) Gold Level Fit-Friendly Company since January 2007, promoting a culture of wellness to its staff of over 900 employees.
According to a release, organizations that become Fit-Friendly companies “champion the health of their employees and work to create a culture of physical activity in the workplace.” This recognition rewards companies for their progressive leadership and highlights their concern for staff.
With Nurse Kim Elliott, leading the way, the medical center has become an advocate for the AHA’s annual Ocean City Heart Walk.
Team Cape Regional has raised $99,278 since 2005 and is the Top Hospital Team for three years running. Of the 45 Heart Walks stretching from New Jersey to Maine representing 3,786 companies, Cape Regional Medical Center is named among the top 100 companies – ranking 61st overall.
In addition to promoting the AHA Heart Walk year-round, the medical center supports on-going wellness initiatives for their staff which include the Employee Wellness Olympics, an on-campus walking route, the “Fit for Life” Employee Fitness Center, Yoga Classes, free health screenings, the monthly Wellness Newsletter, low-fat menu selections in the Medical Center cafeteria, various support groups, and a smoke-free campus.
“Cape Regional Medical Center raises the most support based on one single medical center” stated Deborah Van Sant, Southern New Jersey regional director, American Heart Association.
“Even though there are much larger healthcare facilities in our region, Cape Regional Medical Center continues to perpetuate their success with higher recruitment of walkers and innovative ways to raise awareness and support. It is amazing,” Van Sant added.
To participate in the 2009 Heart Walk and join the Cape Regional Medical Center Team, call Elliott, at 609-463-2620 or e-mail: kelliott@caperegional.com.