Pacific Open Heart Association

The Pacific Open Heart Association (POHA) is a Canadian nonprofit organization and registered charity dedicated to supporting individuals undergoing cardiovascular-related procedures. Founded in 1986 and incorporated in 1988 under the British Columbia Societies Act, POHA operates primarily in British Columbia and the Yukon[3].

Mission and Activities

POHA’s primary mission is to provide emotional support and non-medical guidance to heart patients before and after surgery through a volunteer hospital visitation program. Teams of trained volunteers visit heart patients at major surgery hospitals including St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver General Hospital, and Royal Columbian Hospital, as well as several "feeder" hospitals in the Lower Mainland where patients await transfer for open-heart surgery[1][3].

The visitation teams typically meet with about fifty patients each week. These visits are endorsed by cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, and nursing staff, who recognize the program’s beneficial impact on patients and their families[3]. Beyond visits, POHA donates annually to cardiac hospital wards to support the purchase of equipment and resources essential to cardiac care[1].

Membership

Membership in POHA is open to individuals who are waiting for or who have undergone cardiovascular-related procedures, including their spouses and children. The association also welcomes interested members of the general public upon application, under terms set by the organization’s directors[1][3].

Impact

POHA volunteers provide services to approximately 2,500 open heart patients annually across the surgery and feeder hospitals they serve[4][5]. Their efforts contribute significantly to patient morale and community awareness of heart health issues.

Registration and Charity Status

The Pacific Open Heart Association is a registered charity under the Canada Revenue Agency with the business registration number 137824330RR0001. It complies with all regulatory requirements for Canadian charities and offers donation receipts for tax purposes[2][5].

[1] https://www.pacificopenheart.org [2] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/pacific-open-heart-association/ [3] https://www.pacificopenheart.org/about-us/aims-and-history/ [4] https://www.charitydata.ca/charity/pacific-open-heart-association/137824330RR0001/ [5] https://my.charitableimpact.com/charities/pacific-open-heart-association