Mended Hearts, Inc.

Overview

Mended Hearts, Inc. is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals affected by heart disease. Founded in 1951 and incorporated in 1955, Mended Hearts has become the world's largest peer-to-peer cardiovascular patient support network, boasting over 104,000 members across 20 countries. The organization is recognized for its extensive outreach and support efforts, particularly through its local chapters in approximately 260 cities within the United States and Canada.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of Mended Hearts is "to inspire hope and improve the quality of life of heart patients and their families through ongoing peer-to-peer support, education, and advocacy." The organization aims to foster emotional recovery for those affected by heart disease, providing essential resources and encouragement to patients and their families. Mended Hearts is affiliated with the American Heart Association and collaborates with various organizations to enhance its educational and research initiatives.

Programs and Services

Mended Hearts operates several key programs tailored to different demographics within the cardiovascular patient community:

• Mended Little Hearts®: This program focuses on supporting families of children with congenital heart defects, providing necessary resources and emotional support.

• Young Mended Hearts®: Designed for young adults facing heart disease, this program offers peer support tailored to the unique challenges experienced by this age group.

• Mended Hearts®: The primary program that serves adults with cardiovascular diseases, facilitating peer support through visits, educational resources, and community engagement.

The organization empowers nearly 400,000 patients and family members annually, with outreach conducted in hospitals, cardiology offices, clinics, and community settings. Additionally, Mended Hearts hosts workshops, publishes a journal titled "HEARTBEAT," and organizes an annual national convention to educate and train members and chapter leaders.

Impact and Reach

Mended Hearts is recognized for its robust network, engaging over 4 million individuals through social media and educational platforms annually. The organization provides a variety of educational materials, including Heartguide® resources, webinars, and community meetings that address various aspects of heart disease prevention, treatment, and recovery.

The Bravery Bag program, part of Mended Little Hearts, delivers comfort items to hospitalized children, helping to alleviate the emotional burden during challenging times. These efforts are complemented by local outreach initiatives, where accredited volunteers connect with patients to offer support and encouragement.

Recognition and Accreditation

Mended Hearts has received high ratings for its operational transparency and effectiveness, including a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, signifying sound fiscal management and commitment to its mission. The organization is dedicated to maintaining high standards of accountability and performance to ensure continued support for heart disease patients and their families.

Conclusion

Through its comprehensive programs and services, Mended Hearts, Inc. plays a vital role in the lives of heart disease patients and their families, providing essential support, education, and advocacy. Its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for those affected by cardiovascular conditions solidifies its reputation as a leader in the non-profit health sector.

[1] https://rarediseases.org/organizations/mended-hearts-inc/ [2] https://www.gagives.org/organization/Mended-Hearts-174 [3] https://www.mendedheartseurope.org [4] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/046073589 [5] https://mendedhearts.org