Workshop Speakers, Support Groups Inspire Attendees

More than 80 people attended PHA’s PH Community Workshop March 22 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Matt Granato, PHA’s president and CEO, opened the workshop with a presentation on the Pulmonary Hypertension Association and its resources. He then introduced keynote speaker Diane Ramirez.

Ramirez had PH for 36 years before receiving a lung and heart transplant in September 2023. In her presentation, she shared her journey with PH, her transplant and post-transplant experience, and how she has remained hopeful.

“Meeting and hearing from Diane was inspiring,” says Barbara Stubbs, leader of PHA’s Upstate South Carolina Support Group. “Her enthusiasm for life was contagious.”

After the keynote address, attendees participated in breakout sessions. They could choose between “Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension” and “Navigating Long-Term Treatment Goals.”

The workshop also offered support groups for people with PH and caregivers.

“My favorite session was the support group for patients,” says Karen Parker of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. “It was a great experience to hear from other patients, including those who have experience with the latest treatments.”

In-depth education

After a mid-day networking lunch break, attendees gathered for workshop general sessions. “Managing PH,” addressed available PH treatments and how to manage the side effects. The speakers reviewed recommended diet and exercise routines for people with PH. Speakers included Brandon Menachem, critical care and transplant specialist at Duke University Hospital, and Willard Applefeld, critical care specialist at Duke University Hospital.

In “Current Advances in PH Clinical Research,” attendees learned how clinical trials advanced PH research and lead to drug development. PH Community Workshop co-chair, Jimmy Ford, professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, also explained how to get involved in research.

The workshop ended with a Q&A session. Health care professionals and people with PH answered questions about the transplant process, clinical trials and existing treatments.

Making connections

Between sessions and during breaks, attendees visited exhibiting companies. Those who visited each exhibitor could enter into a prize drawing, a new feature of this year’s event. Prizes included a free PHA 2026 conference registration, a free 2025 PHPN Symposium registration, a CVS Health duffle bag and PHA swag bags.

View photos from the workshop in the gallery.

The next PH Community Workshop is slated for Saturday, Aug. 23, in Denver. Registration will open this summer. Stay up to date on the latest workshop information.