Join ACHA in Spreading CHD Awareness in February!
This February during Heart Month, and especially during Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week (February 7-14), the Adult Congenital Heart Association wants to educate the public about CHD—specifically that congenital heart defects are the number one birth defect and that they require lifelong care.
Whether you have CHD or a loved one in your life with CHD, there are many things you can do to help us spread the word.
ACHA Announces 2015-2017 Strategic Plan
We are excited to announce our strategic plan for 2015-2017, consisting of five main strategic objectives. As our vision states, ACHA will be the leading voice in congenital heart disease education and advocacy, and raise the public awareness of congenital heart disease as a lifelong disease; improve the standards for access to and delivery of quality care for adults with congenital heart disease; and, in collaboration with our partners, will drive the public policy agenda affecting adults with congenital heart disease.
Update on $4 Million for Federal CHD Funding
We are excited to announce that the end of the year Omnibus Appropriations bill was filed last night, which includes a line item for congenital heart defects. The agreement provides $4 million to expand the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's surveillance of CHD among adolescents and adults in order to better understand issues relating to CHD incidence, prevalence, disparities and barriers to optimal care for those with CHD.
Introducing ACHA's Incoming Ambassadors
ACHA is pleased to announce and welcome our nine newest Heart to Heart Ambassadors!
These future Ambassadors will help provide information and support to you, our members, beginning January 2015. Our newest Ambassadors went through an extensive application, interview and training process. Their personal experience as a patient or a family member gives them a unique perspective on many issues our members face.
Celebrating the Life of Dr. Joseph K. Perloff
This letter to the UCLA community was provided for ACHA to share by the Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center:
Dear Colleagues,
It is with great sorrow that we report to you that Professor Joseph K. Perloff, the founding Director of the Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, passed away on the morning of August 18, 2014 at his home in Pacific Palisades, California. He was 89.
Make an Impact: Join Our Board
The Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) is looking for its next generation of leaders to fill critical positions on our national Board of Directors, the elected group of volunteers who support the work of ACHA and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. The Nominating Committee needs your help in identifying candidates for the Board!
ACHA Releases National Conference Brochure
With just under four months to go until ACHA's 7th National Conference in Chicago, Sept. 5-7, our planning has kicked into high gear! We hope you will register for our event—Translating Quality of Care into Quality of Life—soon, taking advantage of early registration pricing. Learn all about the conference at www.achaheart.org/2014conference.
Announcing ACHA's New Executive Director
Dear ACHA supporters,
On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors, I am very excited to announce the hiring of our new National Executive Director, Glenn Tringali. Glenn’s experience and success in expanding membership, medical education and member support match ACHA’s important mission to improve and extend the lives of those with congenital heart disease.
A Community United: Contact Your Legislators on February 27!
On February 27, 2014, congenital heart disease (CHD) advocates will be reaching out to their lawmakers to ask for three simple things:
- Research
- Data Collection
- Caucus Participation
Leadership Update: A Message from our New Board Chair
I became a member of the congenital heart disease community 32 years ago when our obstetrician said we needed to go immediately to meet with a cardiologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Since then I’ve been a frightened parent, a grateful recipient of highly professional medical advice, a parent in denial regarding the impact of my child’s heart defects, a proud father, a loyal donor, and recipient of the support of ACHA and the adult CHD community.