Mended Little Hearts Empowering Families Through Support and

Mended Little Hearts Empowering Families Through Support and Education

Each year in the U. S. , about 40, 000 families will hear these words: Your baby has a congenital heart defect.

Common Reactions üGrief üFear üAnger üConfusion üGuilt üLoneliness--wanting to connect with others who have “been there”

Mended Little Hearts Is There �National program whose mission is to empower families affected by congenital heart disease �Began in 2004 with 2 groups—now has 86 groups in 30 states & DC �Community-based & volunteer-led �Works with hospitals and medical professionals to provide services for families that compliment medical care

Hope, Help, Healing ü Peer-to-peer support ▪ Families can connect with others who truly understand because they have similar experiences ▪ Members share experiences to help them find answers to non-medical questions and learn to live with CHD ▪ The Accredited Visiting Program supports families with kids in the hospital

Hope, Help, Healing üEducation ▪ Coming soon—the digital Little Heart. Guide Parent Resource ▪ Webinars on topics families need ▪ Emails with tools and tips for families ▪ Educational programs in our communities to give families needed information

Hope, Help, Healing üConnection with resources ▪ Local groups connect families with needed resources in their area ▪ National website contains resources to help families care for a child with congenital heart disease throughout his or her lifetime

Hope, Help, Healing üBravery Bag Program ▪ Bravery Bags are given to families in the hospital ▪ Bravery Bags contain toiletry & comfort items along with educational materials ▪ Families know they are not alone

Hope, Help, Healing üAwareness ▪ National and local CHD Awareness Activities � Rock Your Scar Campaign to empower kids and adults with CHD � Roar ‘N Run Virtual Charity Race � Local group activities

Hope, Help, Healing üAdvocacy ▪ Advisors about Family-Centered Care ▪ Promote CHD Research Funding ▪ Promote CHD Surveillance ▪ Support Pulse Oximetry Screening ▪ Support CPR in Schools ▪ Speak on issues that impact our families

THANK YOU!