Strengthening Global ARCH Through Our Councils: Collaboration at the Core

Global ARCH / Strengthening Global ARCH Through Our Councils: Collaboration at the Core

Strengthening Global ARCH Through Our Councils: Collaboration at the Core


At Global ARCH, we’re always looking for ways to grow stronger and do more for the global community we serve. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our Member Relations Council and the new chapter of our Medical Advisory Council. These dynamic councils bring together passionate leaders and world-class experts, driving our mission to improve care and support for individuals impacted by childhood-onset heart disease, including congenital and rheumatic heart disease (CHD and RHD), worldwide.

View all members of our Member Relations Council and Medical Advisory Council here!

Elevating Patient Voices: The Member Relations Council

The Member Relations Council is the heart of our global network. Officially launched in late 2024, this council unites leaders from member organizations in every region of the world to ensure the perspectives of patients and families guide everything we do.

This council represents a bold step forward in strengthening our community and amplifying the voices of those most impacted by childhood-onset heart diseases. We are proud to welcome our inaugural council members as they help shape the future of Global ARCH.

Driving Innovation and Equity: The Medical Advisory Council

Since its founding in 2018, the Medical Advisory Council has been key essential in Global ARCH’s work. Under the leadership of Dr. Kathy Jenkins and Disty Pearson, the council has guided us with unparalleled expertise in childhood-onset heart disease care to improve support for patient and family organizations.

As we enter 2025, the council begins an exciting new chapter with leadership transitioning to Dr. Babar Hasan and Disty Pearson. With a focus on expanding expertise—spanning nursing, mental health, research, and more—the Medical Advisory Council will continue to push boundaries to ensure the voices of patients and families are meaningfully engaged.

We are excited to welcome the brilliant new members joining the council during this pivotal time!

Why These Councils Matter

These councils represent the best of what Global ARCH stands for: collaboration, innovation, and impact. By combining the lived experiences of patients and families with the expertise of leading medical professionals, we’re breaking down barriers, bridging gaps in care, and creating real change.

Be Part of the Journey

As we embark on this exciting new chapter with the Member Relations and Medical Advisory Councils, we invite you to join us. Whether you’re a patient advocate, healthcare professional, or passionate supporter, your voice matters in the fight for better care and support for everyone impacted by childhood-onset heart disease. Please contact us to learn more!

Let’s work together to build a brighter, healthier future—because every heart matters.

Global ARCH

Amy Verstappen, President

Amy Verstappen has been a patient advocate and health educator since 1996, when her own challenges living with a complex heart defect led her to the Adult Congenital Heart Association, where she served as president from 2001 to 2013. She has served as an advisor to the Centers for Disease Control the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; and the International Society for Adult Congenital Cardiac Disease, and worked with congenital heart patient and professional groups throughout the USA and the world.  Ms. Verstappen received a Masters in Education in 1990 and a Masters in Global Health in 2019.