Dear Colleague,
At the 1st International Cardiac Outreach Conference (ICOC) in October, 2002, the cardiac humanitarian aid community indicated as a high priority the establishment of a web portal to enhance communication among like minded organizations. ICOC participants requested that the World Heart Foundation (WHF) help coordinate this community. After many discussions and much work, progress has been made. Currently WHF has developed an interactive web-based directory of Cardiac Humanitarian Organizations which was introduced with potential additional initiatives at the 2nd ICOC on March 19-20, 2004 in Washington, DC.
CTSNet, a premiere website for cardiothoracic surgeons and allied professionals, has much of the web infrastructure needed for this portal and believes that cardiac humanitarian efforts should take advantage of internet / electronic capabilities. Since many hold the view that duplicative efforts are an inefficient use of scarce resources, this project is taking shape through the CTSNet on the World Heart Foundation Web site.
In order for your organization to participate in the online directory and subsequent initiatives, it is necessary, first, to formalize an Affiliate relationship with the WHF, an easy process with no financial burden. Document WHF MUO is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that defines the relationship between WHF and its Affiliates. This MUO supersedes prior informal understandings and must be signed by appropriate individuals. Secondly, an Organization Data Manager must be identified so communication can be effective.
In addition to the MUO, document WHF Data is the Humanitarian Organization Affiliate Data Sheet. Please make this available by e-mail or FAX to World Heart Foundation CEO and President (Jim Cox, MD) who will ensure initial data are included. Wait until your organization is active on the WHF Web site (you will be notified by e-mail). The Organization Data Manager can then revise your organization information directly online.
Since this will be an internet and electronically based forum, virtually all future communications will be by web interactions (e.g. updating organization information and other to-be-developed capabilities) or by e-mail. Documents requiring signatures will be handled by FAX.
Summarizing - To take part in the WHF Cardiac Humanitarian Organizations on-line directory and subsequent initiatives the following steps must be taken: 1) Sign the WHF Affiliation Agreement MUO (WHF MUO) and send by FAX to Jim Cox (502 222-9555), 2) provide the required information about your organization (WHF Data) and 3) WHF will ensure that your organization’s Data Manager becomes a part of the CTSNet Associate Member database so editing of your organizations data can be done by him / her.
If you have any questions or concerns, let any of us know.
Jim Cox, MD
Chairman of the Board, WHF