February 8, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
Valentine’s Day is all about romance but for many families, February 14 has another meaning: Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness Day.
This special day comes at the end of CHD Awareness Week (February 7-14) — a time to raise awareness about CHD, the most common type of birth defect.
County Mayor Tim Stribling recently signed a proclamation declaring February 7-14 as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week in DeKalb County.
“Congenital heart defect” is a catch-all phrase for a variety of heart abnormalities that develop before birth. CHDs can affect the heart’s structure and function, disrupting the normal flow of blood through the heart. CHDs are present at birth, but individuals born with CHD live with these conditions throughout their lives.
CHD Awareness Week honors children and adults born with a heart defect, their families, and the scientists and doctors who are continually working to improve diagnosis and treatment. It’s also a time to educate people about CHD and the need for more research. By participating in CHD Awareness Week, you can help bring awareness to CHD.
“By making February 7-14th a special week to recognize the 2+ million Americans living with congenital heart defects, to remember loved ones who lost their battle to CHD, and to honor the dedicated health professionals who work with our families, DeKalb County is showing its commitment to the well-being of our community’s heart patients and their families,” said County Mayor Stribling.