Christian Health Earns American Heart Association Heart Failure Certification for Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation

Recognition Reflects Christian Health’s Integrated Approach to Post-Acute Heart Failure Care

Wyckoff, NJ (March 31, 2026) — Christian Health has earned the American Heart Association’s Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification for Heritage Manor and Southgate Special Care. The recognition reflects Christian Health’s evidence-based approach to post-acute heart failure care, including clinical protocols, care coordination, and patient and caregiver education to support safer recovery and help reduce hospital readmissions.

This recognition comes at a critical time, as heart failure remains one of the leading causes of hospital readmissions nationwide. According to the American Heart Association, nearly one in four heart failure patients is readmitted within 30 days of discharge, and approximately half are readmitted within six months. Defying national trends, Christian Health maintained a 10 percent average heart failure readmission rate through late 2025, dropping to an impressive 8 percent by year-end — significantly lower than the national 30-day average of nearly 25 percent.

“Too often, patients with heart conditions fall through the cracks during the transition from hospital to home,” said Dr. David Fridman, Cardiology Director at Christian Health. “Our model is designed to close that gap by ensuring patients receive the right care, at the right time, without unnecessary delays or barriers.”

Advancing Cardiac Care Across the Continuum

Building on this milestone, Christian Health continues to strengthen its approach to cardiac care across its communities by bringing physician-led expertise directly to patients during one of the most vulnerable phases of recovery: the move from hospital to rehabilitation facility to home.

Breaking away from traditional models that require taxing travel for patients, Christian Health brings the specialist to the bedside by integrating cardiology services directly into its care settings with warm hand-off to community providers at the time of discharge. Through on-site diagnostics (including lab work, EKGs, ultrasounds, pacemaker and defibrillator evaluations), regular cardiac rounds, and close collaboration with referring physicians, the organization can support patients with specialized needs while reducing the burden on families.

This approach is especially impactful for older adults with heart failure, who often require careful medication management, ongoing monitoring, and seamless coordination across providers to prevent complications and avoid readmission to the hospital.

“As a Cardiologist in the community, I can attest to the difficulty of transitioning patients with heart failure from hospital to home and am grateful that my patients who require skilled nursing after their hospitalization can receive the excellent care at Christian Health that this Heart Failure certification reflects," said Dr. David Montgomery, who has served on the Christian Health Board of Trustees since 2010.

Specialty Cardiac Oversight During Recovery

Christian Health’s cardiac care capabilities include advanced services such as IV milrinone therapy and LifeVest management, which are not typically available in skilled nursing environments. These capabilities, combined with a highly engaged clinical team and frequent communication with hospital partners, ensure continuity of care and a safer recovery pathway for patients.

“Heart care is not just about the cardiologist, it’s about the entire team,” Dr. Fridman said. “The strength of this program is in the collaboration between physicians, nurses, therapists, and care teams working together to support each patient holistically.”

As demand for specialized cardiac care continues to grow alongside an aging population, Christian Health remains committed to expanding and enhancing its clinical programs to meet the evolving needs of patients and families across the region.

“This important milestone underscores our team’s commitment and efforts toward redefining how cardiac care is delivered beyond the hospital setting,” said Stephen J. Dumke, President & CEO of Christian Health. “Earning this certification reflects our dedication to clinical excellence, compassionate care, and our ongoing investment in programs that are designed to help patients recover confidently and safely after cardiac events.”

To learn more about Christian Health’s senior living, short-term rehabilitation (post-acute care), and mental-health services, please visit christianhealthnj.org.

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About Christian Health
Since 1911, Christian Health’s mission has been to offer a listening ear, a helpful hand, and supportive guidance throughout every stage of wellness. A nonprofit organization founded on the belief that everyone deserves exceptional care, Christian Health continues to evolve to meet the needs of our community. We provide a comprehensive continuum of mental health services, communities for adults and older adults, rehabilitation services, and educational programs that foster physical health and nourish the spirit. Our care is recognized through top honors, rankings, and accreditations from leading organizations, reflecting our commitment to the strictest standards and quality benchmarks. Caring is not simply what we do; it is who we are.

Media Contact:
Kelly Tanis
(201) 848-5921
KTanis@ChristianHealthNJ.org