OhioHealth Celebrates Completion of O’Bleness HeartWorks Renovation and Expansion, Supported by Sisters Health Foundation Grant
The OhioHealth Foundation has received a $24,000 grant from the Sisters Health Foundation to support the renovation and expansion of the HeartWorks facility at OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital. The project is now complete, with the new space enhancing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation offerings and introducing expanded group exercise programming for both patients and the broader community.
“HeartWorks has long been a resource for patients recovering from heart and lung conditions,” said LeeAnn Lucas-Helber, president of O’Bleness Hospital. “This generous grant allowed us to create a space that better serves our patients and also fosters heart health and wellness throughout the community.”
HeartWorks provides supervised exercise, education and support for patients with chronic conditions such as heart failure, pulmonary disease and peripheral vascular disease. Last year, 196 patients were admitted and treated in the program, completing over 4,000 rehabilitation sessions.
Improved Space, Expanded Offerings
Renovations addressed both patient needs and programming constraints. Updates include a dedicated group exercise area, the conversion of underutilized locker rooms into consultation rooms, and new durable flooring to replace carpeting.
“While we’re extremely proud of the care we provide, we’ve always seen the potential to do more,” said Megan Beatty, director of HeartWorks. “With this project, we’ve been able to freshen up our space and expand our footprint, creating opportunities for group exercise and ongoing support after patients complete their initial rehabilitation.”
The updated exercise space also accommodates expanded collaboration with the hospital’s UpBEAT (Be Educated and Active Together) program for older adults.
“This renovation gives UpBEAT a space that meets the needs of our members and offers additional opportunities for a variety of exercise programming” said Mary Jane Timmons, OhioHealth program manager for UpBEAT. “We’re thrilled to partner with HeartWorks to create more choices for older adults to stay active and socially connected.”
A Community Impact
Beyond traditional rehabilitation, the upgraded HeartWorks facility provides patients and community members with access to group fitness classes tailored to diverse health needs, including resistance training, flexibility and balance exercises. This expansion supports the shared goals of HeartWorks and its partners to promote healthy aging and reduce barriers to fitness in southeast Ohio.
Representatives from the Sisters Health Foundation expressed their enthusiasm about the impact of the project. “The Sisters Health Foundation is excited to partner with O’Bleness Hospital in the expansion of their HeartWorks facility,” said Sheiron Sanchez, Sisters Health Foundation program officer. “We support efforts that improve and expand access to cardiopulmonary health and rehabilitation and promote behavior change. Thank you to the O’Bleness HeartWorks interdisciplinary team for helping foster a community of health in Athens County.”
