Gus M. Bilirakis
03/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/13/2024 08:13
Good News for Congenital Heart Defect Patients
Washington, DC: Earlier this week, Members of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee reviewed and passed 19 bills to promote public health initiatives and improve patient outcomes. One of those bills approved was the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024by Congressman Gus Bilirakis. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes funding for critical research and awareness efforts at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the causes, prevention, and development of better treatments for patients suffering with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).
"As a co-founder of the Congenital Heart Caucus, I've become familiar with the struggles patients with congenital heart disease and their families face. Our legislation will bring us one step closer to enhancing better treatment options and improving outcomes for all patients suffering with this condition. We've seen that this program yields positive results, and I urge my colleagues to join us as we work to help future generations live longer, healthier lives," said Congressman Bilirakis.
Despite remarkable medical advancements that have helped patients with CHD improve their quality and length of life, nearly 40,000 babies are born with this condition each year. It is the most common birth defect and remains the number one cause of birth defect-related deaths in America. As CHD patient life expectancy has increased, there are now more adults than children living with CHD in the United States, with approximately 2 million adults living with these conditions. The lack of specialized routine care leaves this patient population susceptible to costly health care episodes or detrimental health impacts. The National Congenital Heart Disease Research, Surveillance, and Awareness Program is desperately needed to further the understanding of this condition and investigate the impact congenital heart defects have throughout patients' lifespans, with the ultimate goal of developing lifelong, specialized care for patients with congenital heart defects. The Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act will extend this program through Fiscal Year 2029. Click hereto learn more about the bill.
Among the other healthcare bills approved by the Committee is theBuilding Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act of 2024, which Congressman Bilirakis has co-sponsored. Alzheimer's and related dementias affect nearly every family and it is clear that more work needs to be done. The BOLD Act will reauthorize programming to help drive breakthrough research, early screening and detection, as well as provide educational resources to patients and their families. Click hereto listen to Congressman Bilirakis discuss the importance of the BOLD Act and other initiatives to help Alzheimer's patients.
Congressman Bilirakis is proud to see both of these public health priorities advancing through the legislative process.