Message from the Foundation President: Lianne Laing
WHAT AN INCREDIBLE YEAR THIS TURNED OUT TO BE!
There is a subtle energy as sunlight beams through the glass in our front lobby, bringing a sense of warmth and rejuvenation. Here at the Foundation, we have found our post-Covid footing, returning to a few familiar habits while creating new opportunities and growth. There is an ebb and flow as we adapt to finding a happy balance. The cost of living and groceries, the current political climate and the unfortunate series of world events continue to dominate the headlines. As we adjust to the times, I am proud that our team continues to forge ahead as a leader in philanthropy and cardiac care.
At the Institute, we saw the establishment of the new Data Science Centre and the creation of the community-based Centre for Valvular Heart Disease Mobile Screening Program. Both initiatives
STATS & FACTS:
University of Ottawa Heart Institute 23-24
241,141 (+9%) Patient visits
87%** Patient satisfaction
68,063 (+2%) Diagnostic tests
1,581 (+7%) Pacemaker and defibrillator implantations
2,034 (+1%) Open-heart and catheter-based procedures
12,497 (=) Non-surgical interventions
are anticipated to be game changers in cardiac research, innovative patient care, and the earlier detection of cardiovascular disease. These projects rely heavily on clinical work combined with artificial intelligence (AI) advancements and data science.
We saw another successful JUMP INTM for Women’s Heart Health which brought together participants from across the country. We continue to increase awareness, funding and research for the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre and will surpass the one million dollars mark this year. February is Heart Month saw significant expansion with its Light The Capital Red initiative, the return of over one hundred third-party events and over 1.25 million dollars raised. February has truly become something our community embraces. Thank you to everyone who took part. We also saw immediate excitement around our new Ottawa Pickleball Classic which was a hit.
We are so grateful to you, our donors, who continue to support our work and make generous contributions to the Foundation. As we support the priorities of the Institute, our surgeons, cardiologists, nurses, researchers, and scientists bring you the best in patient care. Every donor plays a part in making our Heart Institute world-class. I continue to be inspired by your stories, letters and gratitude notes accompanying your donations. It touches the hearts of our entire team, giving us true purpose for our work.
Change in life is inevitable and also signifies progress. There have been several recent developments at the Heart Institute. We continue to evolve and grow, expanding our mindset, opportunities, and human resources. In late March, we saw the transfer of leadership from Dr. Thierry Mesana to Dr. Rob Beanlands. It was an emotional and inspiring time, allowing us to look back on how far we have come as an Institute and start charting a vision and path forward.
As Dr. Beanlands says: Your heart. Your Institute. Our future — together.
