A recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and published in the American Journal of Public Health evaluated the impact of health insurance on the survival of infants with congenital heart defects (CHDs). A major finding was that, compared to privately-insured babies, uninsured or underinsured newborns with CHDs experienced a two to three fold increase in mortality in the first 28 days of life. In response to the findings, Robert H. Beekman III, MD, FACC, said: "This CDC study demonstrates that factors affecting access to health care, such as health insurance coverage, can have a profound impact on the lives of these children." The College is continually working with its chapters, partners and the Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology Section to advocate for patients' access to care and increased funding for congenital heart disease.