COVID-19 Update
As the COVID-19 situation is rapidly changing, Conquering CHD is committed to providing its community with trusted resources from expert sources. Please continue to watch this blog and our social media channels for information pertinent to the CHD community.
Read our original statement on COVID-19 from March 13, 2020 here.
WHAT WE KNOW
- Some CHD patients are in the ‘increased risk for serious illness from COVID-19’ category, as defined by CDC
- Telemedicine services are on the rise, helped in part by an emergency funding package, which was signed into law in March 2020
- Racial and ethnic minority groups are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, CDC
- As States and locales enter various phases of ‘re-opening,’ patients and families are struggling with a return to pre-covid normal, such as school and work
- With Winter Cold & Flu season upon us, many States and locales are entering a renewed quarantine / lockdown; please see your local public health officials for the guidelines in your area
- Vaccine testing, approval, and dissemination is underway. See the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard for more information.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NOW
- Continue practicing Social Distancing and other spread reduction techniques as recommended by CDC, your local Public Health department, and your local Government officials
- Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face
- Wear cloth face coverings (masks) in public settings where social distancing may be harder to maintain; for individuals over age 2 who do not have difficulty breathing and can remove the mask without assistance
- Sanitize and clean your home often
- Communicate with your medical team as needed and advocate for telemedicine appointments
- Connect with others using social media, video chat services, text, and phone calls
- Watch our COVID-19 & CHD Town Hall
- Watch our Back to School: Kinder – College Webinar
- Watch our COVID-19 Vaccines & CHD Town Hall
MENTAL HEALTH & SUPPORT RESOURCES
 St. Jude Children’s Hospital |  Child Mind Institute |  Children’s Hospital Colorado |
 CNOC |  CNOC |  CHC Nevada |
 WeGo Health Twitter Campaign |  CDC |  Dr. Melissa Cousino, PHD |
 The Wellness Society |  Conquering CHD and Medtronic |  Conquering CHD |
CLINICAL RESOURCES
 CDC |  CDC |  CDC |
 CDC |  CDC |  Michigan Medicine |
 CDC |  CDC |  CHPHC |
 AHA |  CDC |  CDC |
 CDC |  CDC |  CDC |
 ACC |
LEGAL RESOURCES
For patients who have experienced healthcare discrimination during the global health crisis:
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights
Americans with Disabilities Act Discrimination Complaints
RESOURCES FOR PROVIDERS
Crisis Management in Congenital Cardiac Surgery, WJPCHS
Helping the Helpers, CNOC
Guidance for Healthcare Providers Caring for Pediatric Patients, AHA Telehealth Medicine Use in the Adult Congenital Cardiology Practice