It’s Heart Month — get word out on care

AS A mother of an adult living with congenital heart disease (CHD), I am writing today to remind your readers that February is not just Heart Month, it also includes Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Awareness Week, February 7-14, and CHD Awareness Day on Feb. 14.

My son is one of the one in 100 children born every year with a heart defect who needs ongoing specialized care. His medical care for CHD began the day he was born. We were very fortunate his many surgeries could be provided in New Mexico at that time. Today, he is still seen in New Mexico by one of the few accredited adult congenital cardiologists and goes out of state to an adult congenital heart association accredited center when needed. This day and this week are incredibly important to families as we spread awareness about the importance of CHD care needed throughout the entire lifespan.

Congenital heart defects are the No. 1 birth defect in the United States. Medical advances help those with CHD live to adulthood. However, less than 10% of the nearly 2 million adults living with CHD are being seen in specialized centers and getting appropriate cardiac care. That’s why the only national patient advocacy nonprofit, Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA), is devoted to advancing access to resources and specialized care that improve patient-centered outcomes.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, I am proud to be a member of ACHA. ACHA ensures that no one with CHD has to feel alone. By offering a variety of resources, ACHA is the conduit for adults in the CHD community to connect and lean on each other. Please visit achaheart.org to receive the support you need and deserve. Happy Heart Month!