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Northwest Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Our Mission

The Northwest Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to the improvement of clinical practice, enhancement of communications between professionals, promotion of scientific inquiry, and the advancement of education for the benefit of health care professionals and the public.


Our regional association was founded in 1989, WACVPR was established as a Washington state network for cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation professionals. In 1994 the association expanded to become a regional association to include professionals from Washington, Idaho, and Alaska. Northwest Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (NWCVPR) is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization supported by membership dues, conference fees, and sponsorship.

We work with people with cardiovascular and pulmonary disease to enhance their quality of life and provide secondary prevention. This can be accomplished through education and exercise.

What can be done to lessen the likelihood of developing cardiovascular and/or pulmonary disease? Reducing the modifiable risk factors. The risk factors each of us has control over; our diet, our weight, our cholesterol, our blood pressure, our blood sugars, the way we handle stress, our lifestyle - sedentary versus active, and our smoking history and exposure to second-hand smoke. Let's continue to work as a team to decrease the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

Recognizing that the professionals involved in providing cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation represent multidisciplinary fields, the Northwest Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is dedicated to the improvement of clinical practice, enhancement of education for the benefit of health care professionals and the public.

The Purpose and Goals of NWCVPR:

  • Through our communication network we will foster the growth of professional relationships and provide motivational support and encouragement
  • To promote and provide educational opportunities for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation professionals
  • To support and facilitate AACVPR reimbursement efforts
  • To encourage and facilitate research in the field of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and prevention
  • To be a public advocate for primary and secondary prevention of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases as needed

News & Views

  • By Denise Williams | News & Views When she was having a bad day, young Chyela always felt better after strapping on her roller skates and whirling around the family garage, the soundtrack ...
  • By News & Views Staff Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacts a significant burden on the U.S. healthcare system, in terms of dollars spent and lives lost. A 2023 report ...
  • By Denise Williams | News & Views Because it was usually accompanied by some form of exercise, huffing and puffing for air was nothing unusual for Richard Goetz — an expert-level surfer ...


Take advantage of both NWCVPR and AACVPR membership!

NWCVPR is a Joint Affiliate of AACVPR, meaning your single dues payment earns you the benefits of both AACVPR and NWCVPR, as well as AACVPR's membership benefits - free webcasts worth valuable CEs!

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