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.
40-Year Thriver Finds Joy in Life While Navigating Two Chronic Conditions
Kim Everett has lived with lupus for over 40 years and pulmonary arterial hypertension for over 20. For Lupus Awareness Month, she shares her diagnosis journey and advice for navigating life with chronic illnesses.
Support Group Leader Finds Silver Linings
Rachel Gabbert Roberts was 30 when she was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension in 2010. Since then, she has learned to listen to her body and have a positive outlook on life.
Help Improve the Lives of People With PH
Want to do your part to support the PH community? Anyone can be an advocate in as few as five minutes. PHA makes it quick and easy to connect with your members of Congress.
New Courses Available in PHA Online University
PH professionals: Take the next step in your career. Explore job opportunities through the PHA Career Center. Create your job seeker account and upload your CV or resume to catch the eye of employers looking for talent like yours.
Join Us in Celebrating World PH Day
Please join PHA in observing World Pulmonary Hypertension Day on May 5. World PH Day is a global effort to raise PH awareness. Led by PHA Europe, this year’s campaign “Sometimes it’s Pulmonary Hypertension,” draws attention to the challenges of getting an accurate diagnosis. The campaign brings together people from around the world to shed light on the frustrating, frightening journey patients experience before hearing “It’s PH.”
Volunteer Takes on International Care Disparities
As the moderator of a PHA Facebook group, Janessa Curnow, 38, receives requests to join the group from people all over the world. For World Pulmonary Hypertension Day on May 5, Curnow shares what she’s learned from the international PH community. Curnow leads the PHA Young Adult Support Group and previously led the PHA Grand Rapids Support Group in Michigan.
Piper With PH Marches Onward
Carole Doody's passion, playing the bagpipes, saved her life. When she no longer could play the right tones or march, Doody knew something was wrong. Fifteen years after her PH diagnosis, the retired speech-language pathologist volunteers for PHA. She shares her story in honor of National Volunteer Week, which wraps up April 26.
Workshop Speakers, Support Groups Inspire Attendees
More than 80 people attended PHA’s PH Community Workshop March 22 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Diane Ramirez, who had PH for 36 years before a heart-lung transplant, shared her story in the keynote address. “Meeting and hearing from Diane was inspiring,” says Barbara Stubbs, leader of the PHA Upstate South Carolina Support Group. “Her enthusiasm for life was contagious.”
Pulmonary Hypertension Association Launches Certificate Program for Advanced Practice Providers and Allied Health Professionals
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association has launched a new certificate program for advanced practice providers and allied health professionals. The Pulmonary Hypertension Certificate program is designed to build specialized knowledge in the diagnosis, treatment and management of pulmonary hypertension.
PHA Launches Certificate for Advance Practice Providers
Enrollment is now live for PHA’s PH Certificate Program for advanced practice providers. Advanced practice providers include nurse practitioners, pharmacists and physician associates and allied health professionals who can prescribe medicine.
‘Sometimes It’s Pulmonary Hypertension’: Global Community Unites for World PH Day 2025
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association will join more than 80 organizations globally on Monday, May 5, to recognize World Pulmonary Hypertension Day. This year, PHA joins the global campaign, “Sometimes It’s Pulmonary Hypertension,” to highlight the challenges patients face in getting an accurate diagnosis.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School
The Burke Advanced Fellowship in Pulmonary Heart Disease at The Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School—invites applications for an advanced fellowship in pulmonary heart disease starting July 1, 2025. This training program is sponsored by the Center for Pulmonary Heart Disease at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Transplant Recipient Aids Research Through Own Gift
Lauri Stanfield of Tomball, Texas, received the gift of life in 2015 through a double lung transplant – and gave life by donating parts of her lungs for research. Stanfield, who works in the oil industry, likes to try new things and is weighing whether to learn pickle ball.
Making a Splash With Subcutaneous Therapy
Tiffani Brown was dismayed to give up water activities when she started subcutaneous treprostinil therapy in 2020. Since then, she worked with her pulmonary hypertension nurse Debbie Kittel to find a way to keep her site dry while swimming and showering.
Don’t Miss Last Day To Sign Up for Virtual Advocacy Event
Today -- April 10 – is your last chance to sign up for May 7 virtual advocacy visits. The virtual advocacy visits mark World PH Day by educating lawmakers about pulmonary hypertension.
Join an O2breathe Walk in Your Area
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s O2breathe walks are in full swing. Our fundraising walks bring PH communities together to celebrate their accomplishments and raise money for PHA.
Your Tax-Smart Gift Can Power the Next PH Breakthrough
With NIH cuts and rising demand for PH research funding, your support is more vital than ever. As Tax Day approaches, consider tax-smart giving options that can maximize your impact and offer potential tax benefits.
New Pathlight Honors PH Heroes
The latest issue of Pathlight magazine celebrates pulmonary hypertension heroes. As National Volunteer Month approaches, PHA acknowledges the people who make this organization a success. This issue also includes articles about imaging innovations, managing medication side effects and swimming with subcutaneous therapy.