The high cost of pulmonary hypertension (PH) treatment was top of mind in 2022, according to the highest-clicked stories in PHA News this year. At least three stories in our top 15 addressed financial assistance and medical bills, including “6 Sources of Financial Assistance,” the most popular PHA News article this year.
Other stories that caught your attention were about the deaths of long-time PH advocates. Our tribute to Rino Aldrighetti, the first employee of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) and later its first CEO, was our second most popular article of 2022.
Another common theme was reconnecting with the community/return to normalcy, including stories about our PHA 2022 conference, support groups and fundraising events. We’ve included links to the other top stories, not in order, in case you missed them the first time around:
6 Sources of Financial Assistance for PH Therapy
Do the high costs of treatment prevent you from receiving treatment you need? The best solution for you depends on the kind of insurance you have, the type of medication you take and availability of financial assistance resources.
Remembering Rino Aldrighetti
With great sadness, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association announces the death of Rino Aldrighetti, who led PHA for nearly two decades. Rino, who died May 30, was the first PHA employee, hired in 1999 as part-time executive director. He soon became full-time and later was promoted to president and CEO. He retired in 2016.
Help Raise Awareness About the Link Between Blood Clots and PH
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association this month joins the National Blood Clot Alliance and other health care organizations to spread the word about blood clots. This year’s theme for Blood Clot Awareness Month is “Rise to Stop the Clot.”
Countdown to PHA 2022: Travel Tips
After a four-year wait, PHA 2022 is two weeks away. Our International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions returns June 10-12 in Atlanta. As you plan your schedule, don’t forget to consider pulmonary hypertension-related travel considerations.
Patient’s Positive Attitude Inspires Nurse to Start Support Group
Debbie Kittel recently started a Pulmonary Hypertension Association support group at The Ohio State University, where she is the PAH nursing program manager. “I am proud of how big the group has grown and how quickly it has taken off.”
Lead a Support Group in Your Area
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association is looking for volunteers to lead support groups. By becoming a support group leader, you will join a nationwide team of volunteers who are passionate about supporting, educating and empowering the pulmonary hypertension community.
How PHA 2022 Reconnected the PH Community
After a four-year wait, the pulmonary hypertension (PH) community gathered in Atlanta for PHA 2022 International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions. Read our wrap-up, see pictures and watch an emotional, bring-down-the-house performance from Stephen Carter-Hicks.
O2breathe Fundraising Walks Return
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA)’s O2breathe fundraising walks have returned in-person for the first time since 2019. The PH community has come together this spring to raise money for PHA programs and services. Read about the events in Northern Virginia, Southern California and Tampa, Florida.
Participate in the PHA 2022 Fashion Show
Show how you dress up or conceal your infusion pumps/tubes or portable oxygen canisters at the PHA 2022 fashion show. The June 11 event is a popular feature of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s biannual International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions.
How Do You Find and Maintain Hope? Get Inspired With New Pathlight
This March issue of Pathlight is about creating and maintaining hope with PH. In this issue, people with PH and those who care for them share activities and experiences that inspire them to keep pushing forward. They intend for their stories to give hope to others.
Former PHA Ambassador Dies of Cancer
Traci Braxton, who served as a 2017 Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) celebrity champion, died March 12 of esophageal cancer. The cause was important to Traci because three family members have diseases related to PH, including her sisters Toni and Tamar, and her son.
New Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Now in Place
The No Surprises Act took effect Jan. 1, thanks to the pulmonary hypertension and rare disease communities. The law applies to people with employer-provided or individual health insurance, such as marketplace plans. It protects them from being billed for out-of-network care in situations where they can’t choose providers, such as emergency care.
Learn About the PH Drug Discovery and Clinical Trial Process
New videos are available from the Pulmonary Hypertension Association about the process of developing safe, effective pulmonary hypertension treatments. The videos are designed to help viewers understand the process to bring new treatments to consumers.
PHA Offers Copay Assistance Resource Center
This year is off to a difficult start for people who seek financial assistance for pulmonary hypertension (PH) treatment. For much of December and January, PH copay assistance grants have been closed. The Pulmonary Hypertension Association is monitoring the funds daily and will notify the community when the funds reopen.
CEO Update: Sky’s the Limit for PHA Programs and Services in 2022
The beginning of a new year is always an exciting time. For me, 2022 marks the start of my second year at the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA). When I joined PHA, my No. 1 goal was to ensure that patient care was at the center of our activities.
