In
2009, various organizations across federal, state and local communities
came together and agreed that they could positively impact the health
of those affected by congenital heart defects (CHDs) by utilizing a
public health approach to address many of the issues they face. To this
end, organizational members representing the voices of providers,
patents, families, clinicians and researchers joined to form the
Congenital Heart Public Health Consortium (CHPHC).
Since the
inception of the CHPHC, there have been many accomplishments that have
advanced our mission and are in alignment with our strategic plan.
Several educational and awareness resources have been made available to
the public, including the CHPHC web site, CHD fact sheets and
educational webinars. In addition, the CHPHC has provided the
opportunity for open dialogue between member organizations—improving
synergy and unifying public health messaging.
CHPHC Mission
The
mission of the Congenital Heart Public Health Consortium is to prevent
congenital heart defects and improve outcomes for affected children and
adults. The Consortium achieves its mission by:
- Providing leadership and a unified voice for public health priorities
- Expanding opportunities for surveillance and public health research
- Informing public policy priorities that benefit public health and affected persons
Focus Areas
By
prioritizing the work of the CHPHC, the consortium is working on the
public health strategies identified through its mission to can influence
critical and needed changes at the national level.
Database - the Database focus area serves
to raise awareness of the research and public health surveillance
opportunities available by leveraging the information available through
data managed through multiple public and private entities.
Life Long Care
- the lifelong care focus area serves to develop educational and
practical resources to ensure that children, adolescents and adults
maintain continuous congenital cardiology care throughout the lifespan.
Long term outcomes include decreased morbidity and mortality and
enhanced quality of life.
Public Health Framework
- the Public Health Framework focus area serves to develop and
communicate a comprehensive conceptual framework for an ideal public
health system of prevention and care for people with congenital heart
defects in the Unites States of America.