Mission

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association is the oldest and largest nonprofit patient association dedicated to the pulmonary hypertension community. Founded by volunteers in 1987 and run entirely by volunteers until 1999, PHA has grown while maintaining its grassroots culture. Today, the organization operates with a staff of 36 and a wide-reaching volunteer network that helps advance its mission. Pulmonary hypertension is a rare, chronic and life-threatening condition of the lungs that currently has no cure. It affects people of all ages, races, ethnicities and genders. PH occurs when high blood pressure develops in the arteries of the lungs, causing the arteries to narrow or constrict. This puts strain on the right side of the heart and can eventually lead to heart failure. PHA’s mission is to extend and improve the lives of those affected by PH. To achieve this, PHA brings together people with PH and their families, caregivers, health care providers and researchers to advocate for the community, offer education and resources, improve patient care and promote research.