C.H.D.
Congenital Heart Defect
Congenital Heart defects are problems with the heart's structure and the way that it works that are present at birth.  These defects are detected early in infancy or even before birth.  Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect.

CHD Facts

* Nearly 1 of every 100 babies is born with a CHD every year.

* Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect and can be deadly, yet CHD research is grossly under funded, relative to the prevalence of the disease.

*  Doctors are unsure as to what causes CHDs.
 
*   Care for individuals with severe CHDs accounted for about $511 million, or about 37%, of the hospital costs associated with CHDs.

*  Very often one or both parents are unable to work in order to offer specialized care for a critically ill child.
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*  As medical care and treatment have advanced, infants with CHDs are living longer and healthier lives.

Transplant Facts


*  Nearly 124,000 men, women and children are awaiting organ transplants in the United States.

*  30% of those currently on the transplant list are African Americans.

*  Anyone, regardless of age or medical history, can sign up to be a donor.

*  If you are sick or injured and admitted to a hospital, the number one priority is to save your life, not let you die to retrieve your organs.

*  80% of all organs are donated and used in the same geographic area.

*  One single organ and tissue donor can save or improve the lives of over 8 people, helping to restore eyesight, damaged tissues and vital functions.

* Almost 20 people die each day waiting for a life-saving transplant, yet over 2,500 people with viable organs die each day.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

** Resources: Centers for Disease Control, American Heart Association