Mount Holly in Lumberton, N.J., Designated as an AHA Heart Failure Certified Skilled Nursing Center

Mount Holly Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Lumberton has achieved designation as an American Heart Association Heart Failure Certified Skilled Nursing Center, joining less than 1% of skilled nursing facilities nationwide, to date. Led by Karina Ruisi, MSN, APN, FNP, Mount Holly’s established cardiac rehabilitation specialty care initiative – CardioPro – is designed to assist individuals suffering from challenging or life-threatening heart conditions.

“This advanced certification provides heart patients with the assurance that Mount Holly delivers the most effective heart failure treatment strategies based on a standardized method and current evidence-based guidelines,” said Kate Bauer, regional director of market development at Marquis Health Consulting Services, which supports the center. “Mount Holly serves individuals recovering from cardiac events and surgical procedures, and those at risk for cardiovascular disease. The center is fortunate to have Karina leading its top-quality cardiac rehab services, which aim to improve outcomes for the patients in their care.” 

Established over 100 years ago, American Heart Association is a global force changing the future of health of all. Its heart failure certification provides an evidence-based framework for evaluating skilled nursing facilities against the American Heart Association’s rigorous science-based requirements for heart failure patients, including program management, patient and caregiver education and support, care coordination, clinical management, and quality improvement.

“Participation in this certification benefits the patient and the facility by standardizing care practices,” said Cory Woods, DNP, MHA, MSN, RN, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Quality Certification Business Management Committee. “When there are clear processes during every phase of care, patients have the best opportunity for positive outcomes.”

With the new certification, Mount Holly further solidifies its reputation for quality care and services. The center in 2025 was the first in the nation to earn the American Heart Association’s Skilled Nursing Facility Stroke Rehabilitation Certification. Under the direction of Tracey Harris, MD, Mount Holly’s Stroke Recovery services are tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of an individual, dependent on how they have been impacted by a stroke. 

Located at 62 Richmond Avenue, Mount Holly provides post-hospital care, short-term rehab and long-term residential care. More information on Mount Holly can be found at mounthollyrehabhc.com.   

Marquis Health Consulting Services provides administrative consulting services to skilled nursing facilities and senior living communities along the Eastern Seaboard. The company’s “Care, anew” philosophy supports its mission to help clients transform industry processes, mindsets and outcomes. Marquis-serviced skilled nursing centers have access to an evolving suite of clinician-led specialty care models, signature services and comfort features – enabling innovation, compassion and purpose in every aspect of care.