What will happen once we join the Alliance? 

WomenHeart will immediately work with you to help identify two women heart patients from your hospital who want to support other women living with heart disease by becoming WomenHeart Support Network Coordinators.  These women will attend the prestigious WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium at Mayo Clinic, or a regional equivalent, to be trained and educated by the nation’s leading authorities on women’s heart health.  Your hospital will receive recognition in conference materials.  Once trained, these WomenHeart Support Network Coordinators will work with the hospital or cardiac rehab services staff to schedule, market, and hold monthly support group meetings for your patients.  

How can I be confident in the volunteer leaders of our WomenHeart Support Network? 

First and foremost, you are working with the leading national organization in women’s cardiovascular health with a proven track record in training and maintaining effective patient support groups. While led by volunteers, WomenHeart Support Network Coordinators work closely with hospital clinicians and health education staff to develop each meeting’s program.  Your hospital and the Support Network Coordinators receive WomenHeart educational materials, resources and tools on an ongoing basis to advance the knowledge and support provided to women.  All of these resources are reviewed and approved by the nation’s lead- ers in women’s cardiovascular health.  

WomenHeart Support Network Coordinators stay current on issues in women's heart health by attending the annual WomenHeart Support Network Coordinator’s Conference for advanced training and updates on emerging trends and by participating in WomenHeart continuing education webinars on  a variety of topics e.g., diabetes, various heart conditions, nutrition and exercise.   

Beyond the value of having a WomenHeart Support Network at my hospital, why else should we join the Alliance? 

WomenHeart Support Network Coordinators work regularly with hospital and cardiac rehab staff to participate in other hospital sponsored wellness activities, such as health fairs and educational programs, grand rounds and CME -- providing a compelling patient voice. Coordinators may establish ancillary patient support programs at the hospital including HeartScarves and Red Bag of Courage® (a visiting program for newly diagnosed women heart patients which provides support and an introduction to the post-discharge support group.) 

Learn more about the WomenHeart Support Networks