MercyOne Raises Awareness For Iowa’s Families During Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week

In honor of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week (February 7-15), MercyOne will give every baby born at MercyOne and Genesis a red hat in February. These hats symbolize our continued dedication to healing hearts – from young to old.  

We are happy to work with the media to help promote awareness and education about congenital heart defects (CHDs).  

According to the Centers for Disease Control, CHDs are present at birth. The defect, which is the most common birth defect in the country, can affect the structure of a baby’s heart and the way it works. This can affect how blood flows from the heart.  

“As we commemorate Heart Defect Awareness Week, this is an opportunity to recognize and inform about congenital heart defects that can hurt our newest little Iowans,” said Neil Mandsager, MD, maternal/fetal medicine at MercyOne Perinatal Center, Des Moines.  

“We are always hopeful every baby born is healthy, but we know that is not always the case. This is where our expert MercyOne team comes in. We help guide moms and dads as they prepare to take their new babies home. We observe signs and provide screening as needed to ensure CHD is detected and treated immediately for any baby born within our hospital. Proper and early treatment is key with CHD to give afflicted babies the best opportunity for a long, healthy, and happy life.”