Mended Hearts Launches into Virtual Space

Mended Hearts will go virtual during the Allsup True Help® Disability Web Expo on Thursday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST. This free online event is anticipated to be the largest-ever virtual experience geared to meeting the needs and interests of people with disabilities and chronic illness. Caregivers, healthcare providers and the general public also are invited to attend. For many it will be their first time at a “virtual” Web conference. Registration is already open at WebExpo.Allsup.com. “We are thrilled that Mended Hearts will join us in providing an educational, entertaining and easily accessible forum for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers,” said Tai Venuti, Allsup manager of Strategic Alliances. “People regularly reach out to Mended Hearts for their expert guidance and support following a heart event. The Allsup True Help Disability Web Expo provides a dynamic and interactive environment to connect individuals with the valuable programs and resources and support Mended Hearts offers.” Mended Hearts joins more than a dozen leading nonprofit organizations and experts in health and wellness, advocacy, chronic disease treatment and support, Social Security Disability Insurance, veterans’ disability, financial planning, Medicare and health insurance. “This virtual health expo provides an opportunity for Mended Hearts to reach more heart patients and their families, and connect them with Mended Hearts volunteers and caregivers across the country,” said Karen Caruth, Executive Director, Mended Hearts, Inc. The Allsup True Help Disability Web Expo will serve as a one-stop, live exhibition of representatives on numerous topics, videos, resources and more. Participants will be able to: • Interact with experts through live chats, workshops, Q&A sessions and one-on-one discussions. • Gather information on accessing benefits, community resources and other services from health and financial organizations. • Share thoughts, ideas and concerns via surveys, chats and message boards. • Network with fellow Mended Hearts members. • Register for prizes. At the entrance of the Mended Hearts virtual booth, attendees will be introduced to Mended Hearts by viewing the “Recovery of Hope” two-minute video featuring member, Heidi Dohse. Attendees will learn “who we are” and the emotional support and encouragement provided for heart patients and families. The web site, mendedhearts.org, provides valuable links to connect heart patients and caregivers to a community-based Mended Hearts chapter. For more information, call 888-HEART-99 or email at info@mendedhearts.org for connecting heart patients and families to Mended Hearts trained visitors for support. Join us Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 4p.m. (CST) from the comfort of your own computer. Go online to register: WebExpo.Allsup.com. After the live day, the expo will be available online, on-demand through Dec. 26, 2012. Visitors still can contact experts via email and leave messages for fellow attendees during the on-demand period. Who should attend? • Individuals with disabilities • Caregivers • Veterans • Seniors (65+) • Public health professionals • Healthcare providers, case managers and social workers • Anyone interested in attending a virtual fair Participating organizations include these national groups and their numerous chapters: 1. American Association of People with Disabilities 2. American Parkinson Disease Association 3. Arthritis Foundation 4. Brain Injury Association of America 5. Invisible Disabilities Association 6. Lupus Foundation of America 7. Mended Hearts, Inc. 8. National Alliance on Mental Illness 9. National Disability Rights Network 10. National Family Caregivers Association 11. National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association 12. National MS Society 13. National Organization for Rare Disorders 14. National Spinal Cord Injury Association, a program of United Spinal Association 15. National Stroke Association 16. Tremor Action Network 17. Case Management Society of America 18. Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care For additional information, Marcia Baker, M.S. Ed. , Mended Hearts Field Services Director at Marcia.baker@mendedhearts.org or phone 214-390-6233. Register online today at WebExpo.Allsup.com