Dedicated to the support of:
• Open heart and cardiovascular patients and their families.
• Heart related medical equipment and education for area hospital’s staff.
• Operating The Victoria Heart House.
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs, specifically the ‘Take Heart and Breath Well’ program.
How the society was formed
The First Open Heart Society of British Columbia was formed in 1973 on the initiative of cardiologists and early heart surgery patients. Its function was to be a support group for patients awaiting and recovering from heart surgery, and their families. The idea was first conceived by Dr. W. Glenn Freisen, a former Victoria cardiologist. He suggested that both pre-op and post-op stress and trauma could be eased if those patients who were about to undergo surgery could talk to those who had “walked the path”.
“The work of the society is strongly supported by the surgeons and cardiologists of the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria.”
The structure of the society
The overall direction of the society is the responsibility of a Board of Directors, based in Victoria. There are two Chapters of the Society on Vancouver Island. Each branch have their own schedule of meetings. A society newsletter, “Heartnews” is published 4 times a year to keep all of our members up to date with events involving the society as well as informative heart related articles.
Support for children
Special attention is given to the needs of the families of children who are born with heart defects. The Society sponsors those who may need travel and/or special services not available locally, and has established a financial assistance policy to assist those in need. Check out Liam’s story in the Heart Stories in our Society section.
Society funding
The Society is a non-profit volunteer organization and does not have grant affiliation with any other agencies (government or other). The patient care and public service functions are funded by private contributions and a small number of service clubs as well as the annual Walk for Hearts. All donations are used exclusively to support the aims and projects of the Society. The Society adheres to a Socially Responsible Investment policy. Donations are tax deductible and receipts will be issued.
