The global pandemic of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is in the U.S. and the number of people infected and/or exposed is growing daily. According to the CDC, older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions, like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, are at higher risk of getting very sick if they become infected with this virus.
WomenHeart is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our Champions and the women they serve; therefore, we are suspending in-person Champion activities (e.g. support network meetings, patient visits, community outreach, etc.) until further notice to reduce potential exposure or spread of the virus. This includes supporting requests for WomenHeart Champions to speak at local and national events. Many of our National Hospital Alliance member hospitals are already taking swift action to limit these small gatherings, and we think it is prudent that we support national efforts to reduce the spread of disease.
We encourage patients living with or at risk of heart disease to connect virtually with their social support networks to prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation and to promote a sense of social connectedness and belonging. We are enhancing efforts to our virtual programs such as SisterMatch, HeartSisters Online and WomenHeart Inspire to support women living with heart disease while face-to-face meetings are suspended. During this time, we understand our continued support is essential to helping women living with heart disease while they navigate their condition alongside this growing public health concern.
WomenHeart will continue to monitor the situation and, as we learn more from the CDC and leading experts, to support our community moving forward. Patients and caregivers can return to our website to learn about virtual support groups and other activities we are planning to respond to their needs.
WomenHeart staff have also been asked to work virtually so that we can continue respond to and support the needs of our network.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources
WomenHeart Webinar on COVID-19 and Heart Disease (3/25/2020)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19
World Health Organization
American College of Cardiology (article)
American Heart Association
Rush University
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information and Resources