About Us

Mended Hearts, Inc. was founded in 1951 by four patients who had heart surgery in a Boston hospital in 1950. The two men and two women related their experiences with each other -- new feelings of wellness, hopes for the future, a the "second chance" offered by their new "mended hearts." They decided to offer similar encouragement to others.

They were assisted in this effort by noted cardiologist and pioneer heart surgeon Dr. Dwight E. Harken, considered by many to be the "Father of Mended Hearts."

As patient numbers grew and other cities organized similar groups, Mended Hearts incorporated in 1955. A constitution and bylaws were adopted.

After two decades of life-saving treatment progress and many new chapters, Mended Hearts, Inc. relocated in 1979 from Boston to the American Heart Association (AHA) national office in Dallas, Texas. In 1993, Mended Hearts, Inc. became officially affiliated with the AHA.

After a half century of patient support, Mended Hearts, with more than 24,000 members operates mainly through 280 community-based chapters across the United States, with two in Canada. Chapters partner with more than 460 hospitals and cardiac care facilities in providing patient-to-patient support services.

Annually, Mended Hearts trained and accredited volunteers make about 225,000 hospital visits to patients and 30,000 visits to family members and caregivers--reaching 160,000 patients/households. About 8,300 people gained support last year by connecting with a Mended Hearts volunteer through its Internet Visiting Program and Toll-Free Helpline.

Recognizing that heart patients are of all ages, two new programs were launched in 2004. Mended Little Hearts provides support and encouragement to parents of children born with congenital heart defects or who have heart disease. Hopeful Young Hearts is targeted to heart patients ages 25-50.

To learn about your nearest Mended Hearts chapter, log on at www.mendedhearts.org. Additionally, Mended Hearts can be reached on weekdays at 1-888-HEART99.