Watch Their Hearts is a targeted outreach and education program designed to empower newborn parents with knowledge of the warning signs of a missed congenital heart defect after hospital discharge. While New Mexico participates in the Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) newborn screening program, not all CHDs are detectable at birth. In fact, some life-threatening heart conditions are missed or may not present symptoms until days, weeks, or even months after a baby is born.
The program addresses this life-threatening gap by equipping parents—particularly those in rural and under-resourced areas—with the tools and knowledge to recognize warning signs that may indicate a serious undiagnosed heart defect. Early parental awareness can mean the difference between life and death.
Hole in the Heart works to improve health outcomes for children and families in New Mexico by addressing systemic gaps in awareness, timely detection, and care for congenital heart defects (CHD)—the most common birth defect. Rural and underserved communities face late or missed diagnoses due to limited cardiology access, inconsistent screening, and insufficient provider training, leading to preventable complications or loss of life. We advance systems change by promoting timely diagnosis, strengthening provider and community education, and building capacity across healthcare networks to better serve families. By fostering equity in access to care and connecting families to life-saving resources, we aim to ensure that every child with CHD in New Mexico—regardless of geography or background—has the opportunity for timely, specialized care and long-term health.
5704 Tierra Viva Place NW