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.