DETROIT — Children’s Hospital of Michigan has been recognized again as a Cardiomyopathy Center of Care by the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation (CCF), a national nonprofit committed to improving the health outcomes and quality of life for children with cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy is a chronic heart disease that affects how the heart pumps blood through the body and in severe cases can lead to heart failure and the need for a heart transplant. Children’s Hospital of Michigan received this recognition for consistently providing high-quality cardiac care and specialized disease management to children with cardiomyopathy. This accreditation comes on the heels of Children’s Hospital of Michigan being nationally recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a Best Children’s Hospital in Cardiology and Heart Surgery.

“It’s an honor to receive this recognition as it speaks to the exceptional care our physicians, nurses and staff provide the patients we serve,” said Kathy Donovan, CEO of Children’s Hospital of Michigan. “Our team goes above and beyond to provide nationally recognized heart care to the most vulnerable among us and this accreditation is a testament to their profound work.”

Pediatric cardiomyopathy is a complex and variable disease with only a quarter of those diagnosed having a known cause. Like other chronic illnesses, pediatric cardiomyopathy requires a team approach to diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment. The recognized Centers of Care list is a vital resource for families seeking specialized medical care in their area.

This recognition is based on data reported by hospitals and cross referenced against CCF’s center requirements. Hospitals meeting CCF’s criteria are designated as CCF-Cardiomyopathy Centers of Care for two years. In general, recognized centers manage a high volume of pediatric cardiomyopathy patients, offer a variety of pediatric patient services, specialize in the treatment and management of cardiomyopathy in children, and are affiliated with an academic research institution.