1969
During the Vietnam War, a U.S. medic sends three sick children from Vietnam to Minneapolis for heart surgery. 643 patients are transported to Minnesota for heart surgery over the next 23 years.
Our mission
We save children’s lives by transforming pediatric heart care in underserved parts of the world.
On a mission to save children’s lives
Every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive. Together, we must work toward a world where all children have access to high-quality heart care. Children’s HeartLink, a Minnesota-based non-profit founded in 1969, works to save children’s lives by improving pediatric heart care programs in Asia and South America. Here’s how we do it:
Build local-level capacity for pediatric cardiac care through long-term partnerships and robust monitoring
Optimize patient care using education and a train-the-trainer model
Advocate for better access to care with governments and stakeholders
Sustain access to quality care through Centers of Excellence
“This is about more than taking care of one patient or training one doctor. It’s about doing something long-lasting to change the way the country trains the next generation of heart specialists for kids.”
–Mark Lewin, M.D., Children’s HeartLink medical volunteer, division chief of cardiology at Seattle Children’s Hospital & co-director of the Seattle Children’s Heart Center
Our history
We have work to do to reach 1 million more children by 2030 with high-quality pediatric heart care. Our track record proves we can get there.
1993
Medical missions to underserved countries begin. Over the next 9 years, 814 children are treated.
2003
Partnerships with cardiac programs begin, ushering in a capacity-building model. In the next 11 years, 91,127 children are reached.
2015
Children’s HeartLink Centers of Excellence strategy is adopted, along with macro-level impact strategies in regions and sub-regions.
2017
Children’s HeartLink reaches 1 million children with heart disease. There are 17 partner hospitals in 5 countries, Brazil, China, India, Malaysia and Vietnam.
2020
During COVID-19, the Children’s HeartLink training model shifts to 100% virtual.
2022
Children’s HeartLink expands into Bangladesh and grows partnerships in Brazil. A blended learning model, combining in-person and virtual training, is introduced.
2030
ASPIRATIONAL GOAL: Reach 1 Million More Children
Our sustainable training model
Skill training and knowledge transfer is never a “one and done” event. Leveraging a train the trainer model with medical teams ensures the true sustainability of knowledge and skills that build and excel over time.
Our healthy stewardship of every dollar
Our financial health remains strong and impactful, thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors and volunteers worldwide.
Our most important fundraiser of the year
Each year in October, Children’s HeartLink hosts the Global Gathering – our most important and financially lucrative event of the year.
Get to know Children’s HeartLink
Accessibility of high-quality care for children with heart disease is in demand across the globe. The hard work, talent and dedication of our passionate staff, board of directors, volunteers and sponsors focus on that important mission every day.
Learn about congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the second-leading cause of infant deaths in low- and middle-income countries. Most families in these regions have nowhere to turn for appropriate medical care when their child is born with a heart defect.