HeartKids is proud to receive funding support from the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation for Our Hearts, Our Future, a new program focused on strengthening support and prevention of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Western Australia’s Kimberley and Pilbara regions. Through a collaborative, community-lead approach this initiative aims to reduce the impact of RHD in Aboriginal children and their communities.
Working in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, regional hospitals and health services, the program will embed two Aboriginal Support Coordinators to:
- Improve care navigation and engagement with clinics
- Build community support and peer mentorship networks
- Deliver community co-designed RHD prevention information and education resources
- Support families through periods of travel and when requiring specialist care
Marcus Sandmann, CEO of HeartKids, said the initiative will help reduce long-term impacts of RHD across the region.
“This program reflects a shared commitment to community-informed care and ongoing, culturally safe support for families. We are deeply grateful to the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation for making it possible.” – Marcus Sandmann, HeartKids CEO
“Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) presents significant challenges, impacting the health and wellbeing of many families in regional and remote WA. Our approach is to walk alongside these families, ensuring their voices lead the way in creating solutions. By providing culturally safe, community-led support, we honour their strength and resilience. We are deeply grateful for the support that centres the community, empowering us to address RHD’s impact together.”– Angela Webb, HeartKids Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager
HeartKids thanks the Trustees of the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation for their ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for children and young people across Western Australia.
About RHD
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a serious and preventable condition caused by permanent damage to the heart valves following an episode of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). Managing RHD requires regular long-acting penicillin injections every 3 to 4 weeks to prevent further episodes of ARF, which can worsen heart valve damage. Ongoing monitoring through check-ups and echocardiograms is essential to assess heart function and track any progression of the disease. Early diagnosis and consistent care are key to improving long-term outcomes.
About CoHD
CoHD incorporates a group of abnormalities of the heart and is a general name for any type of malformation of the heart, heart valves or major blood vessels which are present at birth or are acquired during childhood. Conditions can range from simple to complex and can occur alone or in groups, depending on how the heart has developed.
