Newman Regional Health Earns Reaccreditation from the American College of Cardiology

Newman Regional Health is proud to announce its reaccreditation for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) from the American College of Cardiology (ACC), reaffirming the hospital’s commitment to delivering the highest standards of cardiovascular care in a rural setting. As the only Critical Access Hospital in the United States with this ACC Cath Lab Accreditation, this recognition reflects the remarkable skill, advanced technology, and deeply compassionate care that define Newman Regional Health’s cardiovascular program.

As a rural, county-owned community hospital, Newman Regional Health continues to demonstrate that world-class care does not require travel to a metropolitan center. With robust technology, a highly skilled team of interventional cardiologists, and a culture grounded in purpose and passion, the hospital consistently delivers exceptional, evidence-based cardiovascular services close to home.

The PCI program is led by Michael Lloyd, DO and Colleen Fearon, MD, Interventional Cardiologists whose clinical expertise and dedication to patient-centered care have established Newman Regional Health as a regional leader in cardiovascular services. Adam Galindo, AGACNP-BC, plays a critical role within the team, providing advanced clinical support, patient education, and leadership in continuous improvement efforts.

Adam Galindo, AGACNP-BC, who has served at Newman Regional Health for 15 years, shared how deeply personal the work is to him. “My grandmother was a nurse, and she showed me that nursing is more than a job—it’s a calling. I was part of the Cath Lab when it first began and helped initiate the pre-op and post-op management for all Cath Lab patients. I am blown away by how much the program has progressed from those early days. Today, we are one of the best Cath Labs in the state of Kansas. It’s inspiring to see how much this team cares for and provides to this community.”

Dr. Lloyd emphasized both the responsibility and the opportunity of delivering advanced cardiac care in a rural setting. “Data shows that heart disease in rural communities is double that of urban areas,” he said. He added that the team’s vision reaches far beyond simply meeting standards. “Rural doesn’t equal second best. We don’t let good enough be good enough. The standard is the standard—and the standard is excellence.” Reflecting on the team’s ongoing progress, he noted, “We stand proud of our accomplishments, yet remain focused on what’s next.”

Members of the cardiovascular lab echoed that commitment to purpose-driven care. “I have found a purpose with the NRH family,” said Halley True, RN. “I wanted to surround myself with people who are as passionate about patients as I am—every patient, every time.”

“Dr. Lloyd’s leadership has been instrumental in achieving and sustaining the level of excellence reflected in this reaccreditation,” said Cathy Pimple, CEO of Newman Regional Health. “Dr. Fearon and Adam bring extraordinary clinical skill coupled with compassion that truly sets them apart. I remain deeply impressed by our cardiovascular lab team—their energy, knowledge, and engagement create a culture that puts patients first and ensures the highest standard of care. We have it all right here at home in Emporia, and I am profoundly grateful.”

In addition to meeting rigorous reaccreditation standards, the cardiovascular team has further advanced its commitment to comprehensive heart care by joining the ACC’s heart failure quality initiatives. Through enhanced data reporting and integration of evidence-based practices, Newman Regional Health continues to elevate care for patients living with heart failure, ensuring improved outcomes and better long-term management.

The success of the PCI program and ongoing cardiovascular care is supported across the hospital by a coordinated network of exceptional departments—including the Emergency Department, Same Day Surgery, inpatient nursing units, and numerous clinical and ancillary staff who contribute to seamless, high-quality care at every step.

Newman Regional Health’s reaccreditation validates not only technical excellence, but also the strong culture of collaboration, compassion, and community-focused care that defines the organization’s mission.