Building a Powerful Voice for Heart Health Advocacy in Canada

The Brief:

In late 2017, a new patient advocacy group aimed to increase awareness and access to heart valve disease treatments in Canada. The organization sought assistance from Sussex in building a robust governance structure, engaging key stakeholders, and launching an effective digital advocacy campaign.

The primary objectives were establishing a strong leadership team, developing a strategic plan, and securing increased funding for vital heart procedures.

The Results:

The partnership successfully led to the recruitment of a Board of Directors composed of health care professionals and patients, setting a solid foundation for the organization’s future. Governance structures were established, and the first strategic planning session was completed, providing clear direction and objectives.

A digital advocacy campaign was launched, targeting key demographics and generating over 2.1 million impressions. This campaign was instrumental in securing a 40 per cent increase in provincial funding for an essential heart procedure, with an additional 30 per cent increase the following year.

As the organization expanded its advocacy efforts to other provinces, it grew in influence. It successfully transitioned to independent operations, maintaining strong stakeholder engagement and continuing its mission to advocate for heart health in Canada.