Welcome

Whole-Hearted Cardiac Care

The Cardiac Center at Grand Lake Health System is dedicated to comprehensive heart care, reflecting our commitment to meeting the community’s health needs with high-quality services and state-of-the-art facilities—all at an affordable cost. Our center serves a wide range of cardiac patients, offering non-invasive diagnostic testing, specialized Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs, and access to a fully equipped Wellness Center to support long-term recovery and heart-healthy living.

Cardiology

Diagnostic Testing
  • Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
  • Echocardiogram
  • EKG
  • Event Monitoring
  • Exercise Stress Testing
  • Holter Monitoring
  • Nuclear Stress Testing
  • Transesophageal Echocardiogram

Patients who have experienced a cardiac event can find comfort in Joint Township Hospital’s dedication to supporting their recovery and enhancing their heart health. JTDMH offers the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab program, a scientifically supported initiative that has demonstrated effectiveness in lowering bad cholesterol, reducing inflammation, managing blood pressure and weight, and improving blood sugar levels.

This comprehensive cardiac rehab program at JTDMH incorporates a distinctive lifestyle education component that includes medically supervised exercise, nutrition education, cooking classes, and behavioral skills workshops. Eligible conditions for the program encompass heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, angioplasty, stable angina (chest pain), heart or heart-lung transplants, heart valve repairs or replacements, and chronic heart failure.

A team of dedicated cardiac care professionals will support patients throughout this entire program, offering guidance as individuals take charge of their health. By applying the principles taught in this cardiac rehab program, patients can achieve a significantly healthier and more fulfilling life following their cardiac event.

Individuals diagnosed with COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis may be eligible for and gain advantages from participating in pulmonary rehabilitation. A multidisciplinary team, including respiratory therapists, exercise physiologists, nurses, and clinical dietitians, creates customized plans aimed at enhancing endurance, strength, and mobility to support daily activities. Participants receive education on medications, relevant equipment and devices, nutritional strategies, disease management, and breathing exercises. Engaging in pulmonary rehabilitation can significantly improve the quality of life for those involved.

In partnership with Vancrest Health Care Centers, the Grand Lake Wellness Center opened in 2019.

Evolving from our long-standing Cardiac Rehab program—now in existence for over 30 years—the Wellness Center was created to offer an ongoing exercise program for patients who have completed Cardiac Rehab, helping them stay on a healthy path. Our professional team of exercise physiologists and registered nurses supervises all activities to ensure safety, which is especially reassuring for individuals with a history of cardiac events or other health concerns.

The Wellness Center spans approximately 7,000 square feet and features a bright, open layout. A walking track encircles the gym, offering a safe, climate-controlled environment for year-round activity. Equipment includes treadmills, elliptical trainers, recumbent bikes, steppers, rowers, and strength training machines.

Membership is available by physician referral or self-referral. All new members are asked to complete a health questionnaire to ensure they can participate safely in our programs.

Meet Our Cardiology

Team

Polly-Train-MD-2

Polly Train, MD

Bridget-Heckler-APRN-CNM-2

Bridget Heckler, APRN-CNM

Whitney-Clark-APRN-CNM-2

Whitney Clark, APRN-CNM

Sara-Gerlach-APRN-CNM-2

Sara Gerlach, APRN-CNM

Dr.-Kakarla-2-1-2

RAJENDRA KAKARLA, MD

Quality

We offer the flexibility to choose between experienced obstetricians and certified nurse midwives to support your personalized birth plan. Our skilled nurses use the latest labor techniques and comfort measures to guide you through labor and delivery. If a c-section is needed, our dedicated operating room and 24/7 pediatric and anesthesia teams are ready within the birthing center.

Safety

Your safety is our priority, with advanced technology like central fetal monitoring to track your baby’s well-being during labor. After birth, our Infant Security System and locked entrances ensure a secure environment, with visitors allowed only with your approval. Security cameras also monitor all hallways for added protection.

Comfort

We offer postpartum visits to assess both you and your baby in the days after discharge and address any questions. Our board-certified lactation consultants are available for baby weight checks, breastfeeding support, and concerns. To schedule, call the Birthing Center at 419-394-3335 ext 2419.

Support

We offer postpartum visits to help address any questions or concerns after you go home, with our expert staff assessing both you and your baby. Board-certified lactation consultants are also available for breastfeeding support, including baby weight checks and assistance. To schedule, call the Birthing Center at 419-394-3335 ext 2419.

Education

Classes

Childbirth Education

Our childbirth education classes provide knowledge for you and your support person on what to expect and how to best prepare for the birthing process. Class topics include:

  • Stages of Labor
  • Labor Stations
  • Pain Management Options
  • C-Section Birth
  • Baby Care
  • Postpartum Care
  • Pregnancy Warning Signs
  • Tour of the Birthing Center


Classes are held monthly on Saturdays from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM in the Grand Lake Medical Office Conference Room.

Breastfeeding Classes

Our breastfeeding classes prepare you for the rewarding journey of breastfeeding your baby. Class topics include:

  • Breastmilk Properties
  • How to Position Baby
  • Proper Latching
  • Interpreting & Understanding Feeding Signs
  • Pumping & Milk Storage
  • Common Breastfeeding Problems & Solutions


Classes are held monthly from 7:00 – 9:00 PM in the Grand Lake Medical Office Conference Room.

To register for either the childbirth education or breastfeeding classes, please call the Birthing Center at 419-394-3335 ext. 2419 or email OBeducation@jtdmh.org with your name, due date and what class date you are wanting to sign up for. You will receive a reply within 2-3 weeks.

All offers are free to those choosing to deliver at Grand Lake Health System. Pre-registration is required as classes can fill up quickly.

HEART FAILURE ADVANCED CERTIFICATION FROM DNV

The certification affirms an organization’s excellence in heart failure diagnosis and treatment inclusive of initial diagnostic services, and therapies related to heart failure – as well as clear metrics to evaluate program outcomes. Grand Lake Health System is the first hospital in Ohio to receive this certification and 1 of 8 in the nation. For more information, click here.