WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) and Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) introduced the bipartisan Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research, and Training in the Schools (HEARTS) Act, H.R. 6166. This bill would raise awareness and increase resources towards cardiomyopathy.
“This legislation will raise awareness and increase educations efforts about a disease that is often mistreated or misdiagnosed because it is so difficult to detect,” Barr said. “I applaud CCF for their advocacy on this issue and I am delighted to work with Congressman Kim on this bipartisan bill to spotlight this disease and ensure that proper treatment is given to those who are afflicted.”
“Cardiomyopathy poses a real threat to tens of thousands of families across the United States, and one that I’ve heard about from people across Burlington and Ocean Counties,” said Congressman Kim. “I’m proud to work with Congressman Barr on this important topic, and the advocates at the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation to bring this issue to light. Together, we can help those suffering from cardiomyopathy and work to save lives.”
Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, impacts an estimated 1 of 500 adults and an estimated 30,000 children in the United States.
The HEARTS Act would establish a working group to identify and find ways to close gaps in cardiomyopathy research. The bill would also develop new educational materials and resources on cardiomyopathy to raise awareness and help encourage greater understanding of the disease. In addition to the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation, the bill has also been endorsed by the American Heart Association.
“This bill emphasizes the important research and educational components that are needed to identify more at-risk children,” states Lisa Yue, CCF’s founding executive director. “Our next step is to work with Congressmen Kim and Barr and our community of families to get the necessary House support to get this bill passed.”
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