December 2025

Grand Lake Health System Reaffirms Nationally Recognized DNV Heart Failure Certification - Only DNV Heart Failure certified hospital organization in the state of Ohio continues to raise the bar for heart care

St. Mary's, Ohio — December 2025 — Grand Lake Health System has once again earned Heart Failure Advanced Certification (HFAC) from DNV following a recent survey, reaffirming its position as a regional leader in heart failure care.

DNV’s Heart Failure Advanced Certification recognizes hospitals that demonstrate excellence in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of patients with heart failure, including structured processes, proven outcomes, and a focus on continuous performance improvement.

Grand Lake Health System was the first hospital in Ohio to receive this certification and is currently the only hospital organization in the state of Ohio with DNV’s Heart Failure Advanced Certification.

“Our mission is to optimize the health of those we serve by providing the highest quality, value, and service, while remaining financially strong,” said Cynthia Berning, President & CEO of Grand Lake Health System. “This renewed recognition from DNV reflects the dedication of our entire team—physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, therapists, and support staff—who care for heart failure patients with exceptional skill and genuine compassion every day.”

The DNV survey evaluates the full continuum of care for heart failure patients—from emergency and inpatient services through outpatient follow-up, education, and long-term management. Programs that achieve certification must demonstrate advanced expertise in heart failure, consistently use evidence‑based care, measure outcomes, and actively work to reduce complications and readmissions.

At Grand Lake Health System, this work is grounded in The Grand Experience, the organization’s service framework built on six central values: quality, communication, personalization, courtesy, honesty, and safety. These values guide how heart failure care is delivered—whether that’s taking extra time to explain a new medication, coordinating outpatient follow-up close to home, or supporting families as they learn to manage a chronic condition.

“Our vision is to be the region’s leader and preferred choice for healthcare, and to be recognized as the premier source for health and wellness,” Berning added. “Being the only DNV Heart Failure Advanced Certified hospital organization in Ohio is not just an honor—it’s a responsibility.”

Grand Lake Health System’s heart failure program includes:

• A multidisciplinary team of cardiology, hospitalist, advanced practice providers, nurses, pharmacists, and other ancillary services.

• Evidence-based treatment pathways aligned with national guidelines.

• Comprehensive patient education.

• Close coordination between inpatient and outpatient services to support smooth transitions of care.

For more information, visit the Grand Lake Health System website.  www.grandlakehealth.org