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Get ready to raise awareness and show support for those affected by congenital heart defects during Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, which takes place every year from Feb. 7-14. This week-long event was established in 2001 by the Congenital Heart Information Network (CHIN) to educate the public about this common birth defect that affects approximately 40,000 babies each year in the United States alone. It's a time to celebrate survivors, honor those who have lost their lives, and spread knowledge about this important cause. So let's come together and make a difference during Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1944</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Successful Repair</div><div class='timeline-text'>Surgeons at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore performed the first successful repair of a congenital heart defect.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1954</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Heart-Lung Machine Development</div><div class='timeline-text'>The heart-lung machine enabling open-heart surgery was successfully used on a patient with a congenital heart defect.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Children's Heart Foundation Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>Children's Heart Foundation was established, which played a significant role in funding research for congenital heart defect treatments.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Genetic Links Discovery</div><div class='timeline-text'>Researchers found genetic links to certain congenital heart defects, leading to advancements in early detection.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week was celebrated for the first time across the U.S to raise awareness around the condition.</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 Day</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Designate a day during the week as "Wear Red Day" and encourage everyone to wear red in support of Congenital Heart Defect 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'>Organize a Charity Walk/Run</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Plan a charity walk or run in your community to raise funds and awareness for Congenital Heart Defects. You can also partner with an existing charity walk/run and create a team to participate.</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 Heart Healthy Potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family together for a heart healthy potluck. Encourage everyone to bring dishes that are low in salt and sugar, and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.</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 Stories on Social Media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use social media to share stories of individuals and families affected by Congenital Heart Defects. This can help raise awareness and educate others about the condition.</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'>Host a Fundraising Event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a fundraising event, such as a bake sale, silent auction, or concert, to raise money for Congenital Heart Defect research and support organizations.</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 common birth defect</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are one of the most common types of birth defects, affecting about 1 in every 110 babies born in the United States. By observing Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, we can inform and educate people about this issue.</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'>It provides support for individuals and families affected by CHDs</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>For those living with CHDs or caring for someone with this condition, Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week serves as a reminder that they are not alone. It also provides resources and opportunities to connect with others who may understand their experiences.</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'>It encourages early detection and proper treatment</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>With increased awareness comes increased chances of early detection and proper treatment for CHDs. Observing this week can encourage parents and healthcare providers to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of CHDs, potentially leading to better outcomes for affected individuals.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Congenital Heart Defects Are Common</h3><p class='facts-text'>Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect. Approximately 1 in every 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>There Are Many Types of Congenital Heart Defects</h3><p class='facts-text'>There are over 35 different types of congenital heart defects, ranging from simple conditions that don’t cause symptoms to complex ones that are severe and require special medical attention.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Cause Can Be Genetic, Environmental, or Unknown</h3><p class='facts-text'>In many cases, the cause of a congenital heart defect is unknown. However, genetics and environmental factors can increase the risk of having a baby with a heart defect.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Congenital Heart Defects Can Be Found Before Birth</h3><p class='facts-text'>With advancements in technology, such as fetal echocardiography, many congenital heart defects can be detected before a baby is born, allowing parents and doctors to plan for necessary care and interventions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>People With Congenital Heart Defects Can Lead Healthy Lives</h3><p class='facts-text'>Thanks to advancements in medical detection and treatment, many people with congenital heart defects live healthy, productive lives well into adulthood.</p></div></div>
Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week is celebrated on February 7 every year. In 2024, it will fall 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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