Apr 24, 2001
Guidant Foundation Invests in American Heart Association Heart Failure Initiative
Grant to AHA will Empower Americans with Comprehensive Knowledge About Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Failure
Indianapolis, Ind. - The Guidant Foundation today announced that it has presented a grant of $500,000 to the American Heart Association to help fund the market research, concept development and testing for the association's newly announced Patient Education System (PES) project. This system will be designed to provide specific advice tailored to the needs of individuals suffering from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, with an initial focus on congestive heart failure.
The Guidant Foundation grant will enable the American Heart Association to begin the development of a system of patient interventions across the continuum of care. The PES project will include:
- Filling a gap addressing learning and educational need for patients
- Linking hospital-based care to long-term, outpatient care by integrating new technology with current patient delivery systems
- Addressing multiple risk factors, including psychosocial issues
- Fostering health behavior changes with behavioral skills training
- Enhancing patient access to community resources
"This is a very exciting time as we embark on a project that will raise the level of care and awareness among heart patients all over the country," said Lawrence B. Sadwin, American Heart Association chair-elect. "Initially the Patient Education System project is going to focus on congestive heart failure and enable the AHA to make assessments of existing primary and secondary patient research, conduct primary market research, needs assessments and concept testing with providers and patients."
For those suffering from cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, the PES will provide information and advice tailored to the needs of the individual patient and assist in making necessary lifestyle changes to prolong and improve their quality of life. The program will be implemented in eight phases with the first three phases of the project being completed in 2001.
"Knowledge is a key factor in overcoming challenges and difficulties. This project will potentially empower hundreds of thousands of people with comprehensive knowledge about the state of their cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, and how best to manage their situation." stated James R. Baumgardt, president of the Guidant Foundation. "The Guidant Foundation is excited to be able to provide the initial funding for a project that is so far-reaching."
Heart failure, the most rapidly growing cardiovascular disorder worldwide, is a medical condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body's other organs because the heart muscle is damaged or overworked. For more information on heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases, visit the American Heart Association online.
The American Heart Association spent approximately $337 million during fiscal year 1999-2000 on research support, public and professional education, and community programs. Nationwide, the organization has grown to include more than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters who carry out the mission in communities across the country. The association is the largest voluntary health organization fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke. On average, cardiovascular disease and stroke annually kill about 950,000 Americans.
The Guidant Foundation provides financial support for charitable and educational programs that improve the quality of life for patients who are at risk or suffer from cardiovascular disease. In addition, the foundation funds the dissemination of information of public benefit regarding cardiovascular disease and relevant therapy for at risk patients.