Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Toolkit
Facts about congenital heart defects
- Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect, affecting approximately 40,000 births in the United States each year.
- Approximately 1 out of every 120 babies is born each year with some type of congenital heart defect.
- Congenital heart defects are approximately 60 times more prevalent than childhood cancer.
- Approximately 1.4 million children and adults in the United States are alive today with congenital heart defects.
Read more facts about congenital heart defects»
Become a CHD Champion today!
Each year approximately 1 million children are born with heart defects. Children born and living with heart defects are an incredible example of the power of great medical care and great research. We want the public to be more aware of their journeys — and how we can all help improve the lives of these children.
Here are some ways you can get involved:
Advocate
Share your story with elected officials and the public to create change.
Advocacy can improve the lives of children with CHD by:
- Serving as the voice of children as decisions are made that impact their health and welfare
- Educating the public and elected officials about issues important to children with CHD and their families
- Helping policymakers develop viable solutions to problems
- Banding together for the good of the cause
Learn more about how to advocate on behalf of children with CHD»
Support
Philanthropic support powers every lifesaving treatment and breakthrough discovery.
Become our partner in making extraordinary advances that will save the lives of countless children with CHD. You can:
- Donate online
- Leave a legacy gift
- Join a giving society
- Partner with us
- Create a fundraising page
- Join TEAM CHOP
- Mail in a donation:
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation
Lockbox #1352 P.O. Box 8500
Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352
Learn more about the many ways you can provide vital support»
Tell your CHD story
Send a press release to your local newspaper, television or radio station.
A press release with details of your child’s experience can help get your local newspaper, radio or TV station interested in your story. News stories go a long way in raising awareness about congenital heart defects.
Use this document to customize your own press release»
Join the CHD cause, persuade others
Customize or write your own “op-ed” for your newspaper.
Opinion pieces (“op-eds”) in newspapers reach many people and are a great way to raise awareness. Newspapers often publish opinion pieces (“op-eds”) by people in their community who are passionate about a cause. You can write about how a congenital heart defect affected your family.
Contact Us
For a second opinion, cardiac referral, or for more information.
267-426-9600
To schedule an outpatient appointment.
215-590-4040
