What is the First Open Heart Society Of British Columbia?

The First Open Heart Society Of British Columbia is an independent registered charitable non-profit organization dedicated to the support of open heart surgery patients and their families. The society is not affiliated with, or supported by, any other heart organization

The 1600 member society is comprised of patients who have under-gone open heart surgery, their spouses and other immediate family members, as well as doctors, nurses and other medical staff involved with the open heart surgery program.

The society was formed in 1973 on the initiative of cardiologists and early heart surgery patients to function as a support group for patients awaiting and recovering from heart surgery, and their families.

Pre-op and post-op trauma for heart patients about to undergo surgery and their families is eased by talking to those who have also "walked the path".

This is accomplished by pre-op and post-op visits by one of the society's hospital visitors, each of whom has also had open heart surgery.

A bed and breakfast facility close to the Royal Jubilee Hospital, "Heart House" , is owned and operated by the society to provide low cost accommodation for the spouse and family of out of town heart patients.

The First Open Heart Society Of British Columbia is an independent non-profit volunteer organization. The society does not receive grants from the government or from any other agencies, nor is it associated with, or supported by, any commercial fund raising organizations.

The patient care and public service functions are funded by members' donations, the society's annual "walk for hearts" fund-raiser, and contributions from a few individuals and service clubs.