Medical Professionals
PHCC Initiative Mission Statement
The purpose of the PHA-Accredited Pulmonary Hypertension Care Centers (PHCC) initiative is to establish a program of accredited centers with expertise in pulmonary hypertension that aspires to improve overall quality of care and ultimately improve outcomes of patients with pulmonary hypertension, particularly pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare and life-threatening group of diseases.
Why the Need for Accreditation?
Despite the availability and success of PAH-targeted therapeutic options over the past two decades, there are still shortcomings with the diagnosis and management of PAH. One recent study observed that expert recommended diagnostic algorithms were not being followed to completion in up to 94% of PAH patients, and nearly 60% of PAH referrals to expert centers already on therapy were on so contrary to published guidelines. In addition, despite the available medical therapies, long-term outcomes are still not optimal as many patients still die from PH, require transplantation or require hospitalization.
PH Care Centers: What You Need to Know
Two types of centers are be accredited: Centers of Comprehensive Care (CCC) and Regional Clinical Programs (RCP). Please note that applications for Pediatric Regional Clinical Programs are not currently being accepted. Learn more about the PH Care Centers initiative:
PHCC News and Research
Advisory: Reproductive Health and Pulmonary Hypertension
Pregnancy is considered high risk for people with pulmonary hypertension because their heart and lungs can’t easily adjust to the demands of pregnancy and childbirth.
Debra G (she/her)
Debra was diagnosed with PH in 2021 and has lived in California most of her life.
Carson S (she/her)
Carson was diagnosed with PH and Pulmonary Veno Occlusive Disease in high school in 2003.
PH Professionals: Join a PHCC or PHAR committee
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association seeks applicants for the Pulmonary Hypertension Care Center Oversight, PHCC Review, PHA Registry Steering and PHAR Data Access/Publications and Presentations committees.
Are You an Outstanding PHA Member?
Are You an Outstanding PHA Member? Apply or nominate someone for our Outstanding Member awards. Nominations open April 15 and close May 15. The awards recognize Pulmonary Hypertension Association members' dedication to the PH community. We will present the awards at PHA 2024 PH Internation PH Conference and Scientic Sessions.
Last Chance: Make Your Voice Heard on World PH Day
Friday, April 12, is the final day to sign up for virtual legislative visits as part of the World PH Day advocacy campaign. Tell your members of Congress how PH affects your life and ask them to pass important legislation to make a difference for the entire PH community. Visit our Advocacy Action Center to get started.
High School Student Hooks State Bass Fishing Title
High school senior Ethan Park dreams of fishing in the national college bass fishing series when he goes away to university next fall. Park was diagnosed with mild pulmonary hypertension when he was five, but his symptoms worsened in 2023. He shares his triumphs and challenges with the Pulmonary Hypertension’s Right Heart Blog.
Doctor Powers Through PH, 26 Years After Diagnosis
Ann Socolofsky of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 1998. Now 65, she still works as a physician and helps women manage life-threatening illnesses like PH. Socolofsky originally shared her story with Pathlight, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s quarterly member magazine.
Join Our PH and Sleep Apnea Support Group
Connect online with people affected by PH and sleep apnea. Join our PH and Sleep Apnea Support Group to learn about navigating the challenges of having both conditions. Our next meeting is at 3 p.m. EDT, Friday, April 19, led by support group leader Evelyn Mitchell.
Mitzi M (she/her)
Mitzi is the parent of a child with PH. Her daughter was diagnosed with PH in 2007.
Noel H (she/her)
Noel was diagnosed with PH in 2008. Noel works part time and lives in the US West.
New PAH Treatments Increase Patient Options
Pulmonary hypertension treatment has come a long way since PHA’s founding in 1991. In the past week, the Food and Drug Administration approved the 15th and 16th treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Read about the new treatments in PHA's CEO Update.
Marla O (she/her)
Marla was diagnosed with PH in 2008 and works full-time. She lives in the US Southeast.
Karen D (she/her)
Karen has been a PH patient since 2019 and lives in the US Southeast.
Jane N (she/her)
Jane is a caregiver to her child who was diagnosed with PH in 2010. She lives in the US Southeast.
Cathy C (she/her)
Cathy was diagnosed with PH in 2010 and lives in the US West. Cathy is retired from work.
Allison D (she/her)
Allison was diagnosed with PH when she was a senior in high school in 2015.
Doug T (he/him)
Doug has been a PH patient since 2003. He lives in the US Southeast and is retired.
PHA 2024 Registration Opens March 29
Registration opens Friday, March 29, for PHA 2024 International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions. Take advantage of early registration discounts for the Aug. 15-18 event in Indianapolis. Make sure your Pulmonary Hypertension Association membership is up to date to receive the discounted member rate and apply for scholarships to further reduce conference costs. Scholarships will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until June 15.