Helen Visco of Holy Cross Health Selected for 2026 AACVPR Leadership Development Academy

Fort Lauderdale, FL (March 5, 2026) – Holy Cross Health is proud to announce that Helen Visco, Manager of the COPD Clinic at the Catherine Yardley Comprehensive Pulmonary Center, has been selected to join the 2026 cohort of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (ACCVPR) Leadership Development Academy. This distinction recognizes professionals who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to advancing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and patient-centered care.

“Being selected for the 2026 cohort of the ACCVPR Leadership Development Academy is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Helen. “Personally, it affirms my commitment to lifelong learning and servant leadership. Professionally, it validates the work we are doing to elevate pulmonary rehabilitation and COPD care as essential, high-impact services for our community.”

The ACCVPR Leadership Development Academy is a competitive program that prepares professionals in cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation for leadership roles in their field. Helen was selected from a nationwide pool of applicants and will join 50 participants and eight faculty members. The program provides strategies to strengthen patient care programs, share best practices and advance cardiopulmonary rehabilitation at a national level. 

Her participation in the Academy will allow her to bring back new ideas and strategies to support patients and the broader community. “My leadership approach centers on advocacy, data-driven decision-making and team empowerment,” said Visco. “I believe strong programs are built on measurable outcomes, interdisciplinary collaboration and a culture where every team member understands they ‘why’ behind the work.”

Patients living with chronic lung conditions including COPD or asthma, see tangible benefits from program like Just Breathe. “The Just Breathe Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program was designed to restore confidence, improve function and reduce hospitalizations for patients living with chronic lung disease,” she said. “Through structured exercise, education, respiratory training and personalized care planning, we help patients move from fear and limitation to strength and independence. We’ve seen patients who once struggled to walk across a room complete exercise sessions with confidence and individuals who felt isolated now feel supported and empowered to manage their disease.”

Participation in the Leadership Academy will also help refine clinical workflows, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and improve access to care. My capstone work focuses on financial sustainability and reducing patient barriers− ensuring pulmonary rehabilitation remains accessible to those who need it most” said Visco.

At the Catherine Yardley Comprehensive Pulmonary Center, patients receive the guidance and support they need to manage chronic lung conditions and maintain independence. Helen’s participation in the AACVPR Leadership Development Academy will help Holy Cross Health continue advancing pulmonary care so patients across South Florida can breathe easier, stay active and live fuller lives. 

To learn more about pulmonary services or schedule an appointment, visit Pulmonary | COPD | Lung Clinic | Holy Cross Health

ABOUT HOLY CROSS HEALTH
A member of Trinity Health, Fort Lauderdale-based Holy Cross Hospital, dba Holy Cross Health, is a full-service, not-for-profit, Catholic, teaching hospital operating in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. Holy Cross has been recognized for six Types of Care in U.S. News and World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospital rankings, was named among the 2024 America’s Best-In-State Hospitals by Newsweek and selected as a Forbes America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals in 2025. Holy Cross has also been designated as a 2025 High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for LGBTQ+ health care access and Holy Cross Health Foundation is designated as a High Performer from the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy. Through strategic collaborations and a commitment to being a person-centered, transforming, healing presence, the 557-bed hospital offers progressive inpatient, outpatient and community outreach services and clinical research trials to serve as the community’s trusted health partner for life. Holy Cross Health also includes Holy Cross HealthPlex outpatient facility, urgent care centers and more than 40 Holy Cross Medical Group physician practices. To learn more about Holy Cross Health, visit holy-cross.com. Connect with Holy Cross Health on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.