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Get ready to raise awareness and support for those affected by Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) during CHD Awareness Week, which takes place from Feb. 7-14! This week is dedicated to educating the public about CHD, a condition in which there are abnormalities or problems with the structure of the heart that are present at birth. It's estimated that 1 in every 100 babies is born with a CHD, making it one of the most common birth defects. But with increased awareness and support, we can work towards better treatment options and improved outcomes for those living with this condition. So let's come together and spread some love and hope during CHD Awareness Week!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First CHD Treatments</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dr. Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas pioneered the first treatments for CHD (Congenital Heart Defect), vastly increasing patient survival rates.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1958</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Development of Heart-Lung Machine</div><div class='timeline-text'>The heart-lung machine, allowing for more complex congenital heart surgeries to take place, was widely introduced to clinical practice.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of CHD Organizations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Several organizations dedicated to CHD awareness and research were established, including the Congenital Heart Information Network (TCHIN).</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National CHD Awareness Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week was first recognized in the United States, promoting awareness on a national level.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion of Awareness Efforts</div><div class='timeline-text'>CHD organizations around the world expanded efforts to educate the public and health professionals about congenital heart defects.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Ongoing Awareness Efforts</div><div class='timeline-text'>CHD Awareness Week is now observed in many countries worldwide, with various events and activities arranged to spread knowledge and support for those affected by CHD.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear red for CHD Awareness</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to wear red in support of CHD Awareness during the week. Take a group photo and share it on social media to spread awareness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a charity walk/run</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many organizations hold charity walks or runs to raise money and awareness for CHD. Sign up for one in your area and get some exercise while supporting a good cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a fundraiser at your workplace, school, or community center. You could have a bake sale, silent auction, or even a themed party. All proceeds can go towards CHD research and support.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you or a loved one has been affected by CHD, share your story on social media or with your local news station. This can help educate others about the condition and show the impact it has on individuals and families.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a children's hospital</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend some time volunteering at a children's hospital, specifically in the cardiology department. This will allow you to interact with CHD patients, their families, and medical professionals, and gain a deeper understanding of the condition.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for a serious health issue</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>CHD Awareness Week brings much-needed attention to congenital heart defects, which are the most common birth defects in the United States. By educating people about CHDs, we can work towards improving treatment and prevention methods.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Supports families affected by CHDs</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Many families are impacted by CHDs, whether it's through a child or loved one who has been diagnosed. CHD Awareness Week encourages support and understanding for these families, helping them feel less alone and providing resources for their journey.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes early detection and intervention</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Early detection is key when it comes to congenital heart defects. CHD Awareness Week highlights the importance of screening and identifying potential issues in infants and children, leading to earlier intervention and better outcomes.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Congenital Heart Defects are the Most Common Birth Defects</h3><p class='facts-content'>About 1 in 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect (CHD), making it the most common type of birth defect worldwide.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are Over 40 Different Types of Congenital Heart Defects</h3><p class='facts-content'>The severity of these defects can range from simple conditions that don't cause symptoms to complex defects that are life-threatening.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Early Diagnosis of CHD is Crucial</h3><p class='facts-content'>Early diagnosis can help manage the impact and potentially save the life of a child with a CHD.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>CHDs are Responsible for More Deaths than any other Birth Defects</h3><p class='facts-content'>Every year, thousands of children die due to congenital heart defects and they remain a significant cause of infant deaths.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Improvements in Diagnosis and Treatments have Increased Survival Rates</h3><p class='facts-content'>Today, thanks to advancements in medicine, more than 85% of babies born with a CHD live to at least age 18.</p></div></div>
CHD Awareness Week is celebrated on February 7 every year. In 2024, it will be celebrated on a Wednesday.
2023
Feb 7
Tuesday
2024
Feb 7
Wednesday
2025
Feb 7
Friday
2026
Feb 7
Saturday
2027
Feb 7
Sunday
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