Johns Hopkins All Children’s HCM Program earns Center of Excellence status

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg has been named a Center of Excellence by the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association, a distinction that puts it among just two pediatric centers in Florida. The recognition highlights the hospital’s specialized care, research and multidisciplinary support for children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Why it matters: - The designation signals that Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital meets HCMA standards for specialized hypertrophic cardiomyopathy care. - Families in Florida now have one more recognized pediatric option for HCM treatment on the West Coast of the state. - The honor adds to the hospital’s cardiology profile as it expands its reach in advanced pediatric heart care. What happened: - Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg was named a Center of Excellence by the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association on June 19, 2026. - The hospital is now one of only two pediatric centers in Florida to earn the distinction. - Johns Hopkins All Children’s is the only pediatric HCM Center of Excellence on Florida’s West Coast. The details: - HCMA recognition means the program was evaluated for high-quality HCM care aligned with treatment guidelines. - The review covered expertise, care volume, research quality, patient communication, patient education and facilities. - The Heart Failure/Cardiomyopathy Program serves as a referral center for heart transplantation, heart failure and mechanical support. - The HCM clinic uses a team approach that includes medical therapy, heart-failure management and education. - The care team includes cardiologists, cardiac intensive care specialists, cardiac anesthesiologists and cardiac surgeons. - The program has both a dedicated inpatient service and a dedicated HCM clinic. - The clinic includes a genetic counselor, social worker and exercise physiologist. - The program uses data-driven, evidence-based protocols for patient management. - Services include advanced imaging and diagnostics such as echocardiography and cardiac MRI. - Services also include genetic counseling and testing for hereditary risk and treatment planning. - Patient and family care coordination includes support from a social worker, case manager, dietitian, pharmacist, financial counselor and child life specialist. - Research and support services are built into the program through medical, allied medical and scientific staff focused on HCM. - Pediatric cardiologist Alfred Asante-Korang said the designation reflects the hospital’s commitment to expert care for this patient group. - Asante-Korang also pointed to the hospital’s No. 39 ranking in cardiology and heart surgery in the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals. - Pediatric cardiologist Jessica Laks said the program provides advanced treatments for children with heart failure and HCM. Between the lines: - The recognition gives Johns Hopkins All Children’s another external marker of specialty care at a time when parents often look for proof of experience, volume and multidisciplinary support. - The focus on research, genetics and care coordination suggests the program is positioning HCM as a long-term disease-management effort, not only a procedural service. - The hospital is also using the announcement to reinforce its broader pediatric brand, including its Florida ranking and upcoming growth in Wesley Chapel. What’s next: - Families can contact the HCM Program at the program website or by calling (727) 767-3333. - Johns Hopkins All Children’s said a new hospital in Wesley Chapel is under construction and is scheduled to open in 2027. - The hospital continues celebrating its 100th year of care as it expands pediatric services in the region. The bottom line: - The HCMA designation formally places Johns Hopkins All Children’s among a small group of pediatric HCM centers recognized for specialized, multidisciplinary care.