Adult Congenital Heart Association

Circulation Research recently published “Lifelong Care of Females With Congenital Heart Disease.” This article is an overview of the unique health needs and considerations for women with CHD throughout their lives, co-written by four board certified ACHD physicians who are leading the way at ACHA ACHD Accredited Centers. As the authors conclude, “Both pediatric and adult providers must be aware of the challenges and health needs of females with CHD and how care is truly a continuum that is not isolated to discrete stages but cumulative of health exposures and experiences over a lifetime.” Read the article at https://lnkd.in/dbFAQDjH

We’re working on new ways to connect with and involve people with heart defects and learning or developmental challenges in research. Travel and accommodations are covered for in-person meetings on May 6 and June 27 in D.C., with limited spots available. Fill out the survey to let us know you’re interested: https://lnkd.in/eS_w55YD Adult Congenital Heart Association

Today is National Write Your Story Day! Karla Deal, ACHA's Peer Mentor Coordinator, is sharing her story on the ACHA HeartTalk Blog to spread awareness about lifelong care for CHD and the ways ACHA’s Heart to Heart Peer Support Program can guide you on your CHD journey. We encourage you to write and share your story to spread awareness, too! Read Karla's blog at https://ow.ly/njOR50Vi476.

We love seeing all the CHD awareness spreading in local communities! Alex Duggan and Tom Wix (ACHA Emeritus Board of Directors member) recently represented ACHA at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Kids at Heart 2025 CHD Awareness Celebration at Zoo Atlanta. A huge thank you to Tom and Alex for talking to so many patients and family members in the Atlanta area about the importance of lifelong care for CHD—and how ACHA can support them in their journey ❤

Mental health in CHD emerged as a key focus in the 2024 CHI Research Rumble, highlighting its importance to CHI registry participants. These anxiety and depression scores were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Explore more insights in our annual report: https://lnkd.in/e3RsgJDb Adult Congenital Heart Association

A big shoutout to ACHA’s Patient and Family Advisory Board Member Mindy Beyer, BSN, RN (pictured at right) for celebrating CHD Awareness Day at MaineHealth’s Maine Medical Center Portland! Last month, Mindy—alongside her colleagues Jessica Zink and Megan Smetana—took to the main floor of the medical center to spread vital CHD and ACHA awareness. Mindy and team also launched a newsletter for the CHD community just in time for Heart Month ❤ We thank Mindy, Jessica, and Megan for their dedication and passion in making a difference for the CHD community!

In honor of Women’s History Month, ACHA Board of Directors Vice Chair William F. Causey shares how Dr. Helen Taussig, a pioneering pediatric cardiologist, saved his life through her groundbreaking work—by diagnosing his pulmonary stenosis despite her own hearing loss. Learn more about Dr. Taussig’s history and contributions to the field of congenital heart care, including the development of the Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt, in the ACHA HeartTalk Blog post at https://bit.ly/3F4wqGU.

ACHA was proud to support Texas Children's Hospital's annual Heart Month Bridge Event earlier this week. Thank you to Houston-area Patient & Family Advisory Board Co-Chair Melissa Gardner-Lomax for representing ACHA and spreading awareness about lifelong care for CHD!

Check out yesterday's webinar on coping skills to live well as an adult with CHD below or anytime on our website.

Thank you to our CHD champion Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Mike Crapo for their resolution designating February as American Heart Month, honoring all those with cardiovascular disease, including the nearly 2 million adults born with congenital heart defects: https://bit.ly/4bh1cZa