di Francesca Conti
AICARM, the Italian Cardiomyopathy Association, inaugurates 2025 with an ambitious Program Plan, the first structured strategic document in the history of the organization. This plan represents a turning point in the approach to managing activities, translating the association's mission into concrete actions to improve the quality of life of patients affected by cardiomyopathy, a rare and often little-known disease, and their families.
The Plan is divided into five key areas: Training and Information, Patient Support and Aggregation, Research Support, Network Strengthening and General Management. Overall, 24 projects have been developed with a total budget of 270.000 euros. Among these, the expansion of the territorial network, the creation of educational content with specialists, the strengthening of the “Cuori in Ascolto” service, the only listening desk for cardiomyopathy in Italy, and the launch of research projects in collaboration with specialized centers, stand out.
Initiatives such as CPR training courses in schools and financial support for patients' medical expenses complete a plan that aims to respond in an integrated manner to the needs of the patient community.
“The Program Plan is the result of collective work and represents an important turning point in the management of the association’s activities,” explains Marigrazia Catania, member of the AICARM Board of Directors. “We felt the need to give a more structured direction to our activities, based on four fundamental pillars: training and information, patient support, research support and network strengthening, with transversal support services.”
An innovative element is the adoption of a software that standardizes the planning and monitoring of activities, ensuring transparency and responsibility. “The platform allows us to have a clear vision of the available resources and the expenses incurred, ensuring the sustainability of the projects,” continues Catania. “It is a step forward for an association that aims for maximum efficiency, without losing sight of the effectiveness of the actions undertaken.”
The Plan is the result of collaborative work between the Board of Directors, the Management Staff and the Scientific Committee. Each project has been assigned to a manager, with clear objectives and constant monitoring of resources. “This approach allows us to measure the results achieved and to communicate transparently with our stakeholders, including patients, supporters and institutional partners,” Catania emphasizes.
The strategy adopted also looks to the future. “In addition to responding to current needs, the Plan allows us to better plan future activities, introducing innovations and consolidating our credibility with funders and donors, for example for the 5×1000,” concludes Catania.
With the 2025 Program Plan, AICARM confirms itself as a point of reference for those who face the challenge of cardiomyopathy every day, strengthening its commitment to transparent management oriented to the real needs of patients.
Dr. Marigrazia Catania is a member of the AICARM Board of Directors where she deals with administration and finance. Her management skills, acquired over a long professional career, are now put at the service of the third sector and in the organization of the Association's activities. Her social commitment translates into an approach oriented towards efficiency and transparency in the management of AICARM's resources for the benefit of patients with cardiomyopathy and their families.