More children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and their families will receive vital support across South Australia through a key election pledge of the Malinauskas Labor Government.
HeartKids will receive $1 million over four years to expand its services and give the local not-for-profit organisation the funding it needs to deliver three new initiatives:
- A specialised playgroup to assist Heartkids’ early development.
- A targeted mental health program for families affected by CHD.
- A regional support program, improving access to CHD services in rural and remote areas.
HeartKids is dedicated to supporting young people affected by congenital heart disease, providing support to around 600 families with just over two full time equivalent employees. More than 80 per cent of its income is from fundraising, while the rest comes from grants.
Congenital heart disease is a general name for any defect of the heart, heart valves or major blood vessels which are present at birth.
The disease, which is one of the leading causes of infant deaths in Australia, affects about 200 babies born in South Australia every year. There is no known cure.
In 2019 more than half of South Australian children born with CHD had to travel interstate for surgery – the HeartKids team works with families during this time, and continues to provide life-long support to the HeartKids community across the state.
Chris Picton MP, Minister for Health & Wellbeing says “I was determined to better support HeartKids and the amazing work they do when I met the team last year – and now we are delivering on our promise to provide this much-needed funding.
“The organisation offers a vital and selfless service to our littlest and most vulnerable South Australians, helping families get through the toughest time of their lives while linking them to a network of people experiencing the same challenges.
“This commitment means kids with congenital heart disease and their families will be able to access more comprehensive support throughout our state.”
Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Education, Training and Skills says “Supporting HeartKids to establish a specialised playgroup program will make a huge difference to children with CHD to help their development and readiness for school.
“The early years is the most important period of a child’s development. This initiative will give kids with CHD that extra support when they need it most.”
HeartKids SA/NT State Manager Tania Potts says “HeartKids is excited to work alongside the Malinauskas Government to develop and deliver a broader range of support services to disadvantaged families affected by CHD across South Australia.
“This funding will assist HeartKids to develop and deliver Regional Support Services, Mental Health Programs and an Early Childhood Intervention Program, for families impacted by CHD.”
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