How Peer Mentors Change the Game for CHD Patients and Families

In this special episode ofThe 1% Heart, we highlight the power of peer mentorship and the incredible impact of theAdult Congenital Heart Association’s (ACHA) Peer Support Program. This program connects CHD patients, family members, and partners with trained mentors who truly understand the journey—because they've lived it.

Our guest isKarla Deal, the program coordinator for ACHA’sHeart to Heart Peer Support Program—and a CHD patient herself. Karla shares her personal journey withCHD, how mentorship changed her perspective, and whypeer support is so crucial for navigating lifelong CHD care.

Together, we explore:
🔹 How thepeer mentor program works and who it’s for
🔹 Thethree pillars of mentorship: Education, Self-Advocacy, and Empowerment
🔹 The impact of finding someone who truly "gets it"
🔹 What makes a great mentor and why the program needsyou

Right now, ACHA isrecruiting new peer mentors—patients and family members alike! If you’ve ever wanted togive back to the CHD community, this is your chance.Applications close on February 18th, and you can find the link in the show notes or on ACHA’s website.

💡If you don’t need a mentor, go be a mentor.

Links & Resources:📌Apply to be a mentor or request one:ACHA Peer Support Program
📌Contact Karla Deal:kdeal@achaheart.org

Disclaimer & Trigger Warning: Nothing in this episode constitutes medical advice. These are our personal experiences, opinions, and stories. This podcast contains honest discussions of medical trauma, adult language, and adult content.

Listener discretion is advised.