The Cath Lab Digest Volunteer Survey

In mid-2007, an article appeared in Cath Lab Digest and on www.cathlabdigest.com outlining the four new “Cause Campaigns” initiated by the American Heart Association (AHA). Also in the article was a survey, asking you, our readership, if being a volunteer for some aspect of the AHA was part of your professional portfolio. While the response rate to the survey was low, I was pleased to see that many aspects of AHA’s educational programming were familiar to you. Moreover, 56% of respondents stated they volunteer to raise awareness regarding heart health in their community. The three AHA-sponsored programs with strongest support in this survey were the Heart Walk, Get with the Guidelines and Go Red for Women. Nearly 90% of respondents affirmed their hospital’s having a Heart Walk Team. From an AHA perspective, the Heart Walk program brings in the most support in terms of revenue for the AHA. Walking programs are part and parcel of many other agencies portfolio for fundraising, in that anyone of any age can participate, often involving entire families. From a hospital care perspective, knowing that 80% of respondents said their hospital had incorporated the Get with the Guidelines program was most heartening. Numerous studies have shown the efficacy of a standardized program such as this, where door-to-door care parameters are outlined via checklist format for all caregivers to complete, all of which focus on assuring compliance with evidence-based criteria related to patients with cardiovascular disease. These studies have shown a decrease in mortality and morbidity in these patients when the criteria on the checklists are met. As the “Silver Tsunami” approaches, with more people being age 65 and over than ever before, surely having a system in place to optimize patient care and outcomes seems desirable from every perspective. With the recent emphasis on heart disease in women, another positive finding in this survey was that 90% of respondents were aware of the Go Red for Women campaign, and that 76% participate in this program in some way. Since its introduction in 2003, Go Red for Women has experienced a phenomenal growth across the country. Numerous cities embrace “Going Red” each year, on the first Friday in February, by having buildings or landmarks illuminated in red. Some examples include Niagara Falls, the Chrysler Building in New York City, the Arch in St. Louis, and the Space Needle in Seattle. The Red Dress display has enjoyed its travels across the country, and the red dress lapel pins are gaining recognition as well. Of course, the purpose of these advertisements is to “brand” the campaigns so all people are aware that heart disease is the number one cause of death for women. As more data related to differences in symptoms, efficacy and reliability of stress testing, and optimal therapeutic treatment plans specific to women emerge, all educational materials targeting Go Red for Women will be upgraded to reflect these findings. Regarding stroke, 55% of respondents were not aware of AHA’s Power to End Stroke campaign. Stroke is the number 3 cause of death, and long-term care for stroke survivors consumes the majority of health care dollars spent in this country. Of interest, 85% of respondents said their hospital was planning to become Stroke Certified, so it is apparent that the message regarding optimizing stroke care through this certification is known whereas the campaign itself is not. Again, numerous studies have shown the dramatic effects of having a hospital Stroke Certified in patient terms: more rapid resolution of the stroke with subsequent reduction in complications and degree of post-stroke care required. As a population, the increasing incidence of diabetes, especially among a younger population than ever seen, is quite alarming. Coupled with an increase in childhood obesity as well as in adults, we are indeed challenged to get the message out regarding proper nutrition, adopting a regular exercise program, and having regular checkups to assure a person’s cardiovascular health is in check. Having said that, 82% of survey respondents said they were not familiar with AHA’s Cause Campaign entitled, “Alliance for a Healthier Generation.” This campaign evolved from the actions of the AHA, the William J. Clinton Foundation, and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in an effort to focus attention on the growing problem of childhood obesity, inactivity and nutrition. Since the Alliance began in 2005, major groundwork has been laid in school nutritional programming. The AHA has had school programs called “Jump Rope for Heart” and “Hoops for Heart” for many years, but not all schools in the country participate. In the survey, 80% of respondents were unfamiliar with either of these programs, perhaps reflective of their not having school-aged children or the school not being a participant. For more information about any of the programs available through the AHA, please visit their website, www.americanheart.org, and select “Embrace Our Cause.” Many links are provided that can offer a multitude of teaching materials for any of the AHA’s campaigns. One other aspect of volunteerism for the AHA involves being a member of the chapter’s speakers bureau. Schools and companies will contact the AHA when they’d like to have a guest speaker on a cardiovascular topic. If you would be interested in being a member, just contact your local AHA affiliate to join their list. In addition, when time permits, please consider lending your expertise by becoming a board member of your local affiliate. While on the board, you may be able to participate in their Delegates Convention, where you will meet others involved in the AHA and learn what activities/projects they are involved in. It’s a great learning opportunity for all and an experience I have thoroughly enjoyed. As your expertise in the field of cardiovascular disease and treatment continues, I encourage you all to “give back” in some way. Patient education is a natural part of your everyday role, and you’d be pleasantly surprised how valuable that information can be to so many others in your community. I would like to thank CLD for running this survey, and to the respondents for having participated by answering the questions. May your future be filled with numerous opportunities to share the information you know about heart disease, and in helping our communities become more knowledgeable at the same time!

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