WASHINGTON, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, the Heart Rhythm Society today announced the launch of the Heart Rhythm Foundation, a collaborative organization dedicated to reducing death and disability due to heart rhythm disorders. The announcement was made during the Society’s Annual Scientific Sessions held May 19 - 22, 2004 in San Francisco.
The Foundation has named Robert G. Hauser, MD, and Past President of NASPE (now the Heart Rhythm Society) as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Additionally, David S. Cannom, MD, serves as Secretary; Eric N. Prystowsky, MD, as Treasurer; Warren Bennis, PhD., Director; Peter M. Spooner, PhD., Stanley S. Hubbard, Director; Director; Michael E. Cain, MD, ex officio as the Society President; Stephen C. Hammill, MD, ex officio (when installed as Society President); and James H. Youngblood, ex officio as the Society CEO. The remaining seven lay members of the board are still being identified. Lisa Olson, PhD, has been named executive director.
“The Heart Rhythm Foundation is focused on developing programs to promote public awareness, physician education and patient advocacy for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias,” said Dr. Hauser. “Together with the Society, the Foundation will advocate awareness of and serve as the premier resource for heart rhythm disorders.”
The Heart Rhythm Foundation and Heart Rhythm Society are separate organizations but will work together to determine annual goals. The Foundation’s activities will ultimately support the Society’s position as the international leader in science, education, and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients. Additionally, the Foundation will conduct fundraising activities to support the efforts of both organizations.
The Foundation’s first campaign will focus on raising awareness about sudden cardiac death (SCD), the leading cause of death in the U.S., through physician and patient-directed educational programs. SCD occurs when the heart suddenly and without warning, ceases to function -- only 10 percent of SCD victims survive. In subsequent awareness programs, the Foundation will target awareness of the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, followed by a program centering on heart failure and understanding treatment options.
“The Foundation will engage the Heart Rhythm Society physician and other healthcare professional members in a crusade to educate patients about heart disease, beginning with sudden cardiac death, which kills more than 400,000 Americans each year,” said Dr. Hauser. “SCD is a major health problem and the Foundation’s awareness programs are designed to provide patients with information about the risks associated with for sudden cardiac death, and to encourage at-risk patients to consult with their physician.”
About the Heart Rhythm Society
The Heart Rhythm Society (formerly the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology) is the international leader in science, education, and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. The Society was incorporated in 1979, and has a membership of over 3,800 physicians and associated professionals in over 65 countries around the world. It has offices in Washington, DC and Natick, Massachusetts. Read more about the Society at http://www.hrsonline.org/.
About the Heart Rhythm Foundation
The Heart Rhythm Foundation is dedicated to reducing death and disability due to heart rhythm disorders. Through the development and delivery of innovative programs, the Foundation will promote public awareness, professional education, patient advocacy, and foster research for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. The Foundation is headquartered in Washington, DC. Read more about the Foundation at http://www.heartrhythmfoundation.org/.
For further information please contact: Kristin Francini of Porter Novelli, +1-202-973-1388, Kristin.francini@porternovelli.com, for Heart Rhythm Foundation; or Jessica Volchok of FischerHealth, +1-310-577-7870 ext. 140, jvolchok@fischerhealth.com, for Heart Rhythm Foundation
Heart Rhythm Foundation
CONTACT: Kristin Francini of Porter Novelli, +1-202-973-1388,Kristin.francini@porternovelli.com, for Heart Rhythm Foundation; or JessicaVolchok of FischerHealth, +1-310-577-7870 ext. 140,jvolchok@fischerhealth.com, for Heart Rhythm Foundation
Web site: http://www.hrsonline.org/
Web site: http://www.heartrhythmfoundation.org/
