DALLAS, TX --(Marketwired - April 21, 2016) - Mended Hearts has launched a revolutionary, multi-faceted program that will identify and eventually train thousands of heart patients to become effective advocates on issues critical to their health. Through this program, patients will learn the skills needed to advocate for themselves and fellow heart patients at a national, state and local level.
On May 1-2, 2016, 50 patient advocates will gather in Washington, DC to learn the fundamentals of effective advocacy, to receive public speaking training and to acquire the skills needed to communicate with elected officials and the media. The training will focus on these important topics:
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Access to innovative cardiovascular disease treatments and devices
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Medication adherence/medication therapy management
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Expanding and ensuring access to the use of cardiac rehabilitation
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Health disparities in Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)
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Encouraging innovation in pediatric devices for the treatment of Congenital Heart Disease
"The Patient Advocacy Network will give heart patients and their families an empowered voice to truly make a difference in their own healthcare journey and impact the way health care is delivered in the future to patients everywhere," said Andrea Baer, Director of Patient Advocacy at Mended Hearts. "Providing support, connections, and education in an exciting new way will allow Mended Hearts to develop leaders of the patient voice in our local communities and across the nation."
Through the Patient Advocacy Network, Mended Hearts will be able to provide enhanced support for heart patients and caregivers through a new online and telephone support network. Patients will also have access to a new, more comprehensive Mended Hearts website that will allow us to fully support heart patients and caregivers, no matter where they are on their heart journey.
About Mended Hearts
Mended Hearts is the largest heart patient support network in the world, with 18,000 members and 300 chapters. Recognized for its role in facilitating a positive patient-care experience, Mended Hearts partners with hospitals and cardiac rehab clinics to offer support through visiting programs, group meetings and educational forums. Mended Hearts inspires hope and improves quality of life for heart patients and their families through ongoing peer-to-peer support. For more information or to locate a chapter, visit www.mendedhearts.org, call 888-HEART-99 or email at info@mendedhearts.org.
Inspiring hope and improving the quality of life for heart patients and their families through ongoing peer-to-peer support.
National Office
The Mended Hearts, Inc.
8150 N. Central Expressway, M2248
Dallas, TX 75206
(888) HEART99 (888-432-7899)
www.mendedhearts.org
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