Tommy Lasorda Speaks From the Heart; Lasorda Launches Heart Health Campaign and Announces Centinela Hospital's Plan to Build The Tommy Lasorda Heart Institute

Business Wire, July 19, 1999

LOS ANGELES--(BW HealthWire)--July 19, 1999--

Centinela Hospital, the Official Hospital of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lakers and Kings, has teamed up with Hall of Fame Baseball Manager Tommy Lasorda to enhance its cardiology services.

The impetus for Centinela's 2-year, $7 million plan to enhance services and build The Tommy Lasorda Heart Institute, is to meet an identified community need including the high rate of arteriosclerosis and hypertension, particularly in the population that surrounds the 400-bed, acute care medical facility.

Heart attack survivor Lasorda, and his Centinela cardiologist Anthony Reid, M.D., executive director of the Heart Institute, will serve as spokespersons for the new cardiac facility to be housed on the hospital's main campus. Centinela's plan for the unit includes a dedicated cardiac program, offering a continuum of care from initial diagnosis to open heart surgery and rehabilitation for patients.

"I have given my name and support to The Tommy Lasorda Heart Institute because I have faith in Centinela's ability to help others like they've helped me," said Lasorda.

In addition to the Heart Institute announcement, on Wednesday, July 21, Lasorda and Dr. Reid will engage in an education effort to help the public understand the importance of preventive medicine when it comes to heart health. The duo will invite the public to receive free cholesterol screenings at Centinela Hospital by calling toll free 888/611-HEART to make testing appointments. Lasorda is also working with Bayer Aspirin and Centinela to increase awareness about heart attach symptoms and the importance of quick response upon onset of a heart attack.

Lasorda, Heart Institute Executive Director Dr. Reid, Heart Institute Medical Director Robert Chesne, M.D., and the hospital's entire Heart Institute team will also be on hand Wednesday, July 21 at Dodger Stadium for a brief 3rd inning presentation during the Dodgers homestand vs. the Colorado Rockies.

In July 1996 Lasorda stepped down from his 20-year post as Dodger Manager after suffering a heart attack. He was treated at Centinela Hospital with percutaneous transluminal coronary artery angioplasty by Dr. Reid. Since then, through medical supervision, proper diet and exercise, Lasorda has stabilized his blood pressure and significantly lowered his cholesterol level. As a result, he has made a personal commitment to help others in the fight against cardiovascular disease.

The members of The Tommy Lasorda Heart Institute include: Dr. Anthony Reid, M.D., executive director of the Institute; Robert Chesne, M.D., medical director of the Heart Institute; Jack Farahi, M.D., medical director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and House Physician Program; Vernon Hattori, M.D., medical director of Coronary Care; Mason Weiss, M.D., medical director for the Cardiology Department; Gerald Bresnahan, M.D., medical director of the Intensive Care Unit; Ibrahim Helmy, M.D.; Farahad Nosratian, M.D.; Howard Staniloff, M.D.; and Phillip Frankel.

Long recognized for its expertise in orthopedic medicine, Centinela Hospital was founded in 1924 as the 12-bed Milton Hospital. The facility has grown to become a 400-bed, full service acute care medical facility and is an affiliate of Tenet Healthcare Corporation. Tenet, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates 130 acute care hospitals and related businesses serving communities in 18 states.