Donor-Funded Classroom Serves Heart-Healthy Classes to Patients

A new Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Education Classroom opened at Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital in May, improving the way patients learn about heart and lung health.

The classroom was funded in part by donors who supported Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital Foundation through the 2024 Spring Splendor Gala and 2024 Golf Classic. Both events raised money for Heart and Vascular Services.

In total, the foundation allocated nearly $468,000 toward the new classroom.

The space is just around the corner from the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Gym on the Heart and Vascular Services floor. Underscoring the commitment to heart health, the foundation also helped fund the relocation of the gym from North Hills Health Center to the hospital in 2021.

Froedtert is the only hospital system in Wisconsin to offer Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab. In addition to Menomonee Falls, patients can choose to complete cardiac rehab at Froedtert Hospital and Froedtert West Bend Hospital.

The program includes 72 sessions (compared to the traditional 36) focusing on exercise, nutrition and mind-body health in hopes of reducing the risk of having another heart event. Registered nurses, exercise physiologists, dietitians and healthy mindset specialists work with patients on smoking cessation, cholesterol control, blood pressure, diabetes, physical activity, psychological well-being and nutrition.

Before the classroom opened, dieticians used a smaller classroom farther away from the gym with limited space.

Ideal for instructing students through discussions, videos and interactive digital lessons, the new classroom also features a fully-functioning kitchen where dietitians educate patients about heart-healthy food items and recipes. About once a week dietitians cook for patients, walking through the steps to make a healthy meal.

“We are so thankful for the foundation’s support of our entire cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program. From the move back into the hospital space a few years ago, to the construction of our new, beautiful education classroom and additional pieces of exercise equipment over the years, our staff and patients have all benefited from this generous giving,” said Rachel Kenitz, the hospital’s heart and vascular wellness manager. “The foundation’s support helps make it even more possible to provide exceptional care to the people in our community and help them reach not only their heart-health-related goals, but their overall health and wellness goals as well.”

Hospital leaders expect nearly 16,000 patient visits in the coming year between the gym and classroom.

Donors who helped support the classroom and kitchenette gathered in early June for the unveiling and to see how their financial contributions impact cardiopulmonary patients.

“As a graduate of this program back in 2012, I’m thrilled to be part of an initiative to help heart patients learn about solutions and outcomes to their cardio challenges in a beautiful, new, state-of-the-art setting,” said Menomonee Falls resident Jerry Wick, who along with his wife Debbie chaired the 2024 Spring Splendor Gala. “As we all strive to live our best lives, we do so knowing that our beloved hospital is there to care for us in our times of need.”

Adds Debbie, “It feels very good that we, along with other donors, are helping to improve the lives of patients and our community. Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital has become more than just our hospital – it’s an extension of our family.”