Health and Community Services
February 10, 2015
Promoting Community Awareness
Minister Proclaims Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week
The Provincial Government is recognizing February 7-14 as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services, joined members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Support Group to sign the official proclamation.
“Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week provides a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of congenital heart disease. We have families who face congenital heart issues every day in Newfoundland and Labrador. When a child is born with a heart defect they can sometimes be required to undergo monitoring and regular surgical procedures throughout the rest of their lives. We are grateful for the efforts of the Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Support Group, who provide invaluable support and advice to those who need a guiding hand.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s 2015 Report on the Health of Canadians, one in 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect (CHD) in Canada. There are an estimated 257,000 Canadians with CHDs, two thirds of which are adults.
“The Provincial Government will continue to monitor the needs of congenital heart defect patients and their families. Treatment of these diseases has greatly improved in recent years, with over 90 per cent of patients reaching adulthood. We will continue to work with the health authorities and groups such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Support Group to support those living with congenital heart defects in our province.”
- Minister Kent
The Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Support Group has approximately 85 members from all across Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization’s goal is to raise awareness of the realities of caring for a child with a CHD and to support families who are affected.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is recognizing February 7-14 as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness for patients and families affected by CHDs.
- One in 100 babies is born with a CHD in Canada.
- An estimated 257,000 Canadians live with CHDs, two thirds of which are adults.
- The Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Support Group has approximately 85 members across the province. The organization’s goal is to raise awareness of the realities of caring for a child with a CHD and to support families who are affected.
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Media contact:
Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 725-6511
hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca
2015 02 10 3:00 p.m.