Heartfelt Conversations - Supporting siblings of children with CHD

Join congenital heart disease experts to discuss how to support siblings of children with CHD. The webinar will discuss ways siblings of children with congenital heart disease (CHD sibling) are affected by their siblings’ chronic illness. (Through the stages: diagnosis, hospital admissions, surgeries/procedures, periods of stability/instability etc.) Identify ways to ensure siblings feel seen and heard, encouraging open communication of their specific struggles, worries, concerns, feelings etc., such that they feel safe/comfortable and empowered to do so.

We will also discuss options for parents/caregivers to address the needs expressed or not expressed by the CHD sibling (i.e. support groups, talking to a child life specialist, counseling and/or psychology/psychiatry, other available resources).

Panel:

• AnnaMay: Older sibling of a congenital heart patient
• Alyssa Geis, MPH, CCLS: Child Life Clinical Specialist, Texas Children's Hospital
• Elizabeth Hudelson, BS, CCLS: Certified Child Life Specialist - The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
• Melisa Khorana, RN,MS,ANP: Early Childhood Family Support Coordinator and Program Lead for Sibshops, The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio
• Dr. Corinne Smorra, DSW, MSW, LCSW: Chief Clinical Officer, Heart and Mind Counseling

More Information

• Learn more about the Pediatric Congenital Heart Services.
• Schedule an appointment with a Pediatric Cardiology Specialist.