- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- AwarenessDiseasesEducational
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every February 7 through 14
- Holiday emoji:
- ❤️
CHD Awareness Week takes place every year from February 7 to February 14. This crucial observance is dedicated to raising public understanding of congenital heart defects (CHD) and supporting affected individuals and families. Discover how you can participate in advocacy, donate to research, and share life-saving information.
Want to sponsor CHD Awareness Week? Learn how
Expected CHD Awareness Week Deals
During CHD Awareness Week, the focus shifts from commercial deals to impactful fundraising and advocacy. Organizations like the American Heart Association and the Children’s Heart Foundation partner with corporations for donation-matching campaigns and special events. Many local businesses host ’round-up at checkout’ initiatives, directing proceeds to CHD research. Look for opportunities to purchase branded merchandise where a portion of sales benefits heart health initiatives. We encourage direct donations to reputable foundations dedicated to congenital heart defect research and patient support.
Platform Guide for CHD Awareness Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CHDAwarenessWeek. Share stories of strength, educational infographics, or ways to get involved in local events.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #CHDAwarenessWeek. Amplify research findings, share patient stories, and retweet calls to action from leading heart organizations.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CHDAwarenessWeek. Join community groups, share personal experiences, and promote virtual fundraisers.
CHD Awareness Week Hero
Dr. Helen B. Taussig
History of CHD Awareness Week
Congenital heart disease is a condition that affects the structure of a person’s heart. The word ‘congenital’ means that the disease is present at birth. C.H.D. may present itself in the form of a hole in the heart or missing and deformed parts of the heart.
Prior to 1940, there was minimal progress in the treatment of the disease. It wasn’t until 1938 that Doctor Robert Edward Gross performed the first ligation of patent ductus arteriosus. After this, there were a number of positive advances in the treatment of the disease. In 1952, Doctor John F. Lewis performed the first intracardiac surgical procedure, successfully repairing an atrial septal defect. Making a huge mark in 1983, the first arterial operation was performed on an 11-day-old baby.
Researchers have not yet been able to pinpoint the cause of some forms of C.H.D. However, certain risk factors may lead to the development of the disease. These factors include genetics and heredity, diabetes, certain medications, smoking, consuming alcohol, and having rubella while pregnant. The presence of C.H.D can be detected from symptoms such as arrhythmias or an irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, swelling of body tissue or organs, as well as a bluish skin tint.
Due to advances in modern science, C.H.D is no longer a death sentence as over 90% of people with the disease survive into adulthood. There are more adults living with C.H.D. than there are children, which is a step in the right direction.
CHD Awareness Week timeline
Doctor Helen Taussig’s return to Johns Hopkins Hospital to direct the Cardiac Clinic shapes the development of pediatric cardiology.
Intracardiac repair becomes possible with the development of cardiopulmonary bypass technology.
C.H.D becomes the standard nomenclature for the disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention begins partnering with health organizations to understand the survival rate and healthcare of people with C.H.D.
How Businesses Can Celebrate CHD Awareness Week
Local businesses can honor CHD Awareness Week by hosting fundraisers or offering special promotions where a portion of sales benefits a local children’s hospital or heart foundation. Consider displaying educational materials about CHD in your establishment or organizing a ‘wear red day’ for employees to show support. Partner with a local advocacy group to amplify their message and engage your community in this vital cause.
CHD Awareness Week FAQs
When is CHD Awareness Week?
In 2027, CHD Awareness Week is observed from Sunday, February 7 to Sunday, February 14. It’s a vital time for education, support, and advocacy for those affected by congenital heart defects.
How common are congenital heart defects?
Globally, congenital heart defects affect about 1% of live births, impacting millions of lives worldwide. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for positive outcomes and improved quality of life.
What is the goal of CHD Awareness Week?
Beyond awareness, the week seeks to empower patients and families with resources and advocacy, pushing for improved care and long-term health for those living with CHD. It’s a collective effort to save lives and improve quality of life.
What is the difference between CHD and other heart diseases?
While CHD is a birth defect, acquired heart diseases can develop at any age. CHD can range from mild to severe, requiring lifelong monitoring and sometimes multiple surgeries, distinguishing it from conditions like hypertension or arrhythmias that are not present at birth.
How to Observe CHD Awareness Week
Wear red
Red is the color for CHD Awareness Week and for other heart-related causes. Wear anything red to show your support.
Share posts
Create informative and factual posts about C.H.D. You can help spread the word about the disease to others who may know little about the disease.
Provide support
Start or support a fundraiser for C.H.D. No matter how little, every cent counts towards conquering the disease.
5 Important Facts About C.H.D.
Chances of survival
95% of people born with non-critical C.H.D.s can survive until the age of 18 years.
Birth occurrences
All over the world, 1.35 million babies are affected by C.H.D. every year.
A major cause of death
In the United States, C.H.D. is the leading cause of death for both men and women.
Estimated number of affected people
In the United States, approximately two to three million people are living with C.H.D.
Most common birth defect
C.H.D. is the world’s most common birth defect.
Why CHD Awareness Week is Important
It creates awareness
CHD Awareness Week spreads more information and awareness about this prevalent disease. Knowledge is crucial to combating the disease and saving lives.
A fundraising opportunity
C.H.D. is a sphere of medicine that still requires more research. Creating awareness about the day also gives an opportunity for funds to be raised towards research.
Solidarity
For people living with the disease and their loved ones, CHD Awareness Week is a chance to share their stories and be heard. It allows us to show compassion and offer support.
CHD Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | February 7–14 | Sunday–Sunday |
| 2028 | February 7–14 | Monday–Monday |
| 2029 | February 7–14 | Wednesday–Wednesday |
| 2030 | February 7–14 | Thursday–Thursday |
| 2031 | February 7–14 | Friday–Friday |
Social Media Tips for CHD Awareness Week
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