Letter from Leadership

We’re pleased to share with you the Pulmonary Hypertension Association 2022 Annual Report. The report reflects PHA’s achievements in a year when the world began to emerge from pandemic isolation and embrace everyday activities.

For the PHA community, 2022 marked a return to face-to-face connections with family, friends, caregivers and health care providers. Our community resumed in-person support group meetings, health appointments, fundraising events and educational workshops. The events resumed with strong measures to reduce the risk of virus transmission and keep our community healthy. Some support group meetings and events continued virtually or provided hybrid options for people who chose to participate online.

The draw to reconnect in person and “PHace the Future Together” was undeniable. Hundreds traveled to Atlanta for PHA 2022 International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions. PHA 2022 brought the community together for the first time in four years, reenergizing patients and professionals alike.

Similarly, people turned out for fundraising events throughout the U.S., reconnecting with friends, establishing new connections and raising money to support PHA’s mission.

Those in-person activities — so vital to the health, wellbeing and care management of the PH community — have been foundations of PHA’s work since its inception. The 2022 annual report acknowledges PHA’s ongoing commitment to extend and improve the lives of those affected by PH. The report demonstrates our impact through research, education, support and advocacy as well as personal stories from people with PH, caregivers and PH professionals.

We frequently hear from the PH community about the impact we make through our support services, outreach, education and personal connections, and 2022 was no exception. Our achievements last year and every year reflect the hours of service by the many people who lead support groups, answer calls on the patient support line, write to elected officials, and host and participate in fundraising events.

We also owe our success to our corporate partners; the PH professionals who serve on our committees and share their expertise in conference, workshops and webinars; and the volunteers who serve on our Board of Trustees.

Last, and certainly not least, we could not do it without a team of very skilled and dedicated professionals working at PHA. Since the pandemic, PHA went “virtual,” with staff all over the country, increasing diversity of thought and ideas and representing the many communities that make up our constituents.

We also solidified our core values — commitment, respect, effective and open communications, and compassion and empathy — that define who we are as a team and how we relate to each other and our members. Just like our community of patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals, we emerged from the pandemic stronger and more resilient, ready to resume and face the challenges that come our way.

Thanks to all who help us educate, engage and support the PHA community.

Matt J. Granato, LL.M., MBA

Tony Lahnston