The HealthWell Foundation launched a pulmonary hypertension (PH) assistance fund Monday, January 11. The fund is open to Medicare recipients, including those with Medicare Advantage plans. Assistance grants can be used to cover the premium costs of purchasing Medicare coverage or to cover copay expenses for PH medication.

As we enter 2021, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) welcomes important milestones and new beginnings. The new year marks the start of PHA’s 30th anniversary, the launch of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States and signs of an eventual return to post-pandemic life. In this remarkable time, I am delighted to join PHA as its third president and CEO.

The pulmonary hypertension (PH) community’s efforts led to an advocacy victory for people with chronic health care conditions. On Dec. 28, Congress passed the No Surprises Act, which ends surprise medical billing for some out-of-network services.

The newest issue of Advances in Pulmonary Hypertension, official journal of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, was guest-edited by Todd Bull, M.D., and explores the effect of high altitude on pulmonary function. In his “Guest Editor’s Memo,” Dr. Bull acknowledges “the satisfaction and joy of ascending our high peaks,” but notes that high altitude affects pulmonary arteries and lung function.

A new monthly series of live programs about pulmonary hypertension (PH) and wellness begins this month. The first program is a Jan. 29 Facebook Live Q&A on COVID-19 vaccines. Also starting this month, PHA News will come to your inbox every other week instead of every week.

Janet Mabe of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, is among the volunteers who answer the PHA Support Line. Volunteers share their own experiences, listen and connect callers to helpful resources. “I just love it when a caller understands that it's okay to love living a good, healthy, enjoyable life and set aside the fear of death,” she says.

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) reached thousands of people in 2020 through education, support and research programs, thanks in large part to donations and grants. PHA is grateful for your generous annual support. Learn how you help PHA continue its work in 2021.

As we head into the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA)’s 30th anniversary year, we want to hear from you. What do you envision for the future? What are you looking forward to most in 2021? Share your vision and hopes for the years ahead, and we’ll share your thoughts with the community as we celebrate our 30th anniversary throughout 2021.

More than half the top stories in PHA News this year were COVID-19 related, reflecting your concerns and need for information and resources about the pandemic. The most popular article was a letter from the chairof the Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s Scientific Leadership Committee after the public health emergency was declared.

This year’s most popular Pulmonary Hypertension Association social media posts promoted Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month, Rare Disease Day and World PH Day, informative graphics, and educational programs. PHA is thankful for everyone who engages with our social media content, and we look forward to hearing from you in the new year.