Mended Hearts has over 24,000 members, making it the largest heart-related patient support group.  The national nonprofit organization includes heart patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and others interested in helping patients with the emotional recovery from heart disease.  "Members assist cardiac patients with an extensive accredited visitors program, support group, health information workshops, social/special events, and other volunteer activities," says Terry Swearingen, President of the new chapter. "Mended Hearts has been offering hope and encouragement to heart patients, families and caregivers for over 50 years.  We're hoping to keep that tradition alive right here in Osceola county with as much outreach and support as possible." Swearingen adds that while heart patient-to-patient visits are the core of Mended Hearts' program, volunteers do not have to be a patient.  "We want others in the community involved as well.  Caregivers, family members of patients, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals are a few examples of potential interested persons." he says.
 
According to the American Heart Association, 70 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease - directly or indirectly touching every household.  The May 8th meeting, to be held at 11:00 am at Osceola Regional Medical Center’s classrooms, will be for the swearing in of the chapter officers and presenting the gavel to the chapter president.  A reception will follow the ceremony to celebrate the Mended Hearts Chapter in Osceola County.  Interested persons are encouraged to contact Terry Swearingen at 407-343-1440 or pres@mendedhearts-osceola.org