Introducing the Robin Schlesinger Adult Congenital Heart Endowment
ACHA is thrilled and honored to announce our first-ever endowment: The Robin Schlesinger Adult Congenital Heart Endowment. The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to enhance ACHA’s programs to make adults living with congenital heart disease (CHD) and the general public more aware of the need for specialized lifelong care and to help patients obtain this care. Click here to donate to the fund.
Board of Directors 2025 Recruitment Period Opens
The Adult Congenital Heart Association is currently recruiting highly-qualified candidates to serve on the ACHA Board of Directors (BOD). To learn more about the roles, responsibilities, and qualifications for our BOD, please click here.
ACHA Research Spotlight: Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Adults with CHD
Since ACHA's emerging research program launched in 2019, we have invested more than $600,000 to fund 20 research investigations specifically focused on adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). In fact, ACHA is the only national nonprofit organization focusing solely on ACHD research. The researchers who were awarded research grants through the ACHA Research Program are hoping to improve the landscape of treatment options, innovative surgery/intervention options, medications, and overall neurocognitive health of all ACHD patients.
Today we are spotlighting another researcher—and her research intervention that started in 2022 with funding from ACHA—to share the results that directly affect those with ACHD.
In this update, we are highlighting Vicki Freedenberg, PhD, RN, a 2022 Meil Family Foundation Research Award for Neurocognitive Studies recipient from Children’s National Hospital, in Washington, D.C., and her study, "Exploring Mind Body Resilience and Coping/Cognitive Exercises (EMBRACE): A Psychoeducational Intervention for Adult Congenital Heart Disease, a Randomized Control Trial."
Applications Now Available for ACHA's 2025 Research Grants
Since launching our emerging research program in 2019, ACHA has invested nearly $600,000 to fund 20 investigations at adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) centers across the country. We are excited to build upon our commitment to unlocking new discoveries for our patient population, and are thrilled to announce today that grant applications for ACHA’s 2025 Research Awards are now available!
ACHA’s 2025 research program will continue to accept applications for early investigation and pilot studies for all ACHD disciplines. We are proud to once again offer the Meil Family Foundation Research Award for Neurocognitive Studies, which debuted in 2022.
ACHA's Patient & Family Advisory Board Recruitment Opens
Thank you for your interest in applying to the Patient & Family Advisory Board (PFAB) of the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA)! The goal of our PFAB is to empower patients and family members across the country to engage with ACHA and the public for improved understanding, collaboration, and outcomes for adults with congenital heart disease (CHD).
Members of our PFAB advise us on the needs of the CHD community, support delivery of programs on the ground, and provide a platform for diverse voices and experiences. As a member of the PFAB, you will gain skills to help you serve as an ACHA advocate, connecting adults with CHD to one another and to critical resources. The PFAB is a standing advisory body to the ACHA Board of Directors (BOD).
Congenital Heart Initiative Research Opportunities
ACHA has partnered with the Congenital Heart Initiative (CHI), the first patient-powered registry for adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD), since its inception. There are currently two opportunities for you to share feedback and continue to help ACHA and the CHI start to better understand some of the barriers the patients and families face when it comes to participation in research.
ACHA Commemorates CHD Awareness Week Around the Country
During Heart Month, and especially during Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Awareness Week from February 7-14, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible volunteers and supporters. Your dedication to raising awareness about ACHA and the critical need for lifelong care for adults with CHD makes a meaningful impact.
Specifically, our Patient and Family Advisory Board (PFAB) and members of the ACHA team have joined together to write and submit proclamation requests that have resulted in CHD Awareness Week being officially recognized by legislators in U.S. cities, states and counties.
ACHA Seeking Opinions on Supporting Adults with CHD
As ACHA begins to develop our next strategic plan, we need to know what our supporters think about our mission-focused activities so that we can provide the services that best support ACHA members and the overall adult CHD community.
In this year's Strategic Planning Survey, we are asking about why you engage with ACHA, which programs you think are most important, and more. New this year, there are surveys for both of our core audiences: patients and family members and medical providers.
2025 Walk for 1 in 100 Nationwide T-Shirt Design Contest Opens
Review the official rules for our 2025 T-Shirt Design Contest!
Board of Directors 2024 Recruitment Period Opens
The Adult Congenital Heart Association is currently recruiting highly-qualified candidates to serve on the ACHA Board of Directors (BOD). To learn more about the roles, responsibilities, and qualifications for our BOD, please click here.