Community leaders and public officials gathered Thursday afternoon at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center to celebrate “a major stride” for cardiovascular health in our area.

The completion of the new Cardiovascular and Surgical Care Pavilion was commemorated with an official ribbon cutting ceremony.

Officials say the new pavilion will serve as the region’s only facility offering centralized cardiac services. It’s seen as a valuable step in saving lives and making local communities healthier.

“This is an exciting time for Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center,” said Rodney Reider who’s the President and CEO of Conemaugh Health System. “We are making this happen because we are trying to root care.”

Reider also explained the impact that the new facility will have on patients in the area.