Overview
The Congenital Heart Public Health Consortium (CHPHC), supported by the CDC and administered by the American Academy of Pediatrics, aims to improve outcomes for individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD) through a public health approach. This blueprint, approved in November 2025, provides strategic guidance through September 2028, prioritizing mental health, with integrated elements of workforce development and lifespan education.
Mission
Prevent CHDs and improve outcomes for affected children and adults by:
- Providing leadership and a unified voice for public health priorities.
- Expanding opportunities for surveillance and research.
- Informing public policy priorities that benefit affected persons.
Why Mental Health Matters
- Individuals with CHD face high rates of anxiety, depression, and neurodevelopmental disorders, impacting quality of life and cardiac outcomes.
- Caregivers experience elevated stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Untreated mental health issues lead to poorer adherence, higher hospital use, and increased costs.
Strategic Goals
- Increase Awareness of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)
- Develop and promote a video series for healthcare teams and families.
- Public Policy Education
- Conduct stakeholder roundtables.
- Produce resources with recommendations for mental health education policies.
- Communication & Resource Sharing
- Continue to share CHPHC Monthly Minute e-newsletter.
- Highlight mental health and TIC resources via AAP.org and quarterly themed e-newsletters.
The Congenital Health Public Health Consortium (CHPHC) is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The outputs of the CHPHC are solely the responsibility of the CHPHC and do not necessarily represent the official views of, or an endorsement by, the member organizations of the CHPHC, CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government
Last Updated
01/05/2026
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics