CIS Clinic Locations Named Level One WellSpots by DHH

From Cardiovascular Institute of the South
    Cardiovascular Institute of the South’s 14 clinic locations have been designated as Level One “WellSpots” by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) Well-Ahead initiative.  CIS clinics represent 14 of 38 Level One well-spots in the state.
    “Cardiovascular Institute of the South is one our state’s largest and most well-respected health organizations,” said DHH Secretary Kathy Kliebert. “I’m glad they’re on board with the Well-Ahead initiative, and I look forward to the positive impact their actions will have on their employees and patients.”
    Well-Ahead designates places and spaces that have implemented voluntary, smart changes to encourage healthy lifestyles for all Louisiana residents as WellSpots.  Organizations that meet the necessary criteria are designated as Level Three, Two, or One WellSpots, with the highest level being Level One.  CIS has received the highest designation of Level One for programs such as a tobacco-free campus policy, which was instituted in 2009, and an employee wellness program, which includes employee screenings and provides health challenges, workshops, coaching and more for employees.  
    “CIS is honored to be designated as a Level One WellSpot,” said David Konur, CEO at CIS.  “Through our core mission of providing world-class cardiovascular care, we continually encourage and challenge both our employees and patients to take steps towards adopting healthier lifestyles and behaviors.  By working together and encouraging each other, we can make our community, and our state, a healthier place to live—one step at a time.”
    Well-Ahead Louisiana, the first voluntary designation program of its kind in the state, encourages organizations and individuals to make small healthy lifestyle changes to the spaces where Louisiana residents spend most of their time.  Well-Ahead establishes healthy living designation criteria for organizations to follow that will result in better health outcomes for Louisiana residents.  These changes will make smart choices an easier part of living and working in Louisiana.  To learn more about the Well-Ahead initiative, visit www.wellaheadla.com.
    CIS is one of the most respected groups of cardiologists, representing nearly every specialty in heart and circulatory medicine. With a team of nearly 500 dedicated team members, CIS serves communities throughout Louisiana, as well as national and international patients, at its 14 clinics. CIS consistently positions itself at the forefront of technology by providing the most up-to-date technology coupled with compassionate care. This mission has guided the institute for more than 31 years of service to south Louisiana. For more information about CIS, call 1-800-425-2565 or visit www.cardio.com.

Top Photo: Community Outreach Team Lead of the Well-Ahead Louisiana Program, Jamie Alexander, MPH, MS (in striped dress) with CIS Lafayette Regional staff. Doctors pictured from left to right: Wade May, MD, Louis Salvaggio, MD, Krishna Nagendran, MD.

Bottom Photo: Bradley Cruice, MBA-MHM, BSN, RN, Well-Ahead Contract Partner is pictured with Jamie Alexander and Pam Pratt, Regional Practice Administrator for CIS, for the certificate presentation.