Dubra Karnes-Padilla has been appointed to the National Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) – Patient, Family Advisory Board (PFAB).  PBAB is a new initiative by the ACHA to advise the ACHA Board and better serve those CHD patients and families in our country in eight designated regions. It is a three year term, and she will be one of two representatives for the Mountain Region.  She wants everyone to know about the important work ACHA is doing. One in every 100 babies is born with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD). CHD is the number one birth defect. 1.4 million Americans have CHD, and this population grows by 5% annually.  As those living with CHD grow up and transition into adulthood, they will need specialized care by trained congenital cardiologists, from infancy and youth, adulthood and into advanced age. ACHA is there to advocate for and educate those with CHD and their families. Adult Congenital Heart Association – Home – ACHA (achaheart.org)

Dubra retired in 2012 from UNM Valencia Campus where she was a faculty member and taught physical education and health education courses along with managing the Campus Fitness and Wellness Education Center. She serves on the UNM Retiree Association Board and chairs the Legislative Committee, 2016 to present and is committed to protecting teacher’s retiree pension benefits. In January, she was appointed by the Albuquerque City Council to the City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs Advisory Board and serves on two committees, the Age Friendly Committee and Facility Committee.

Dubra and her husband Ed have been residents of the Casas del Norte neighborhood since 2014.  She also is a volunteer on our HOA Landscape Committee.  Congratulations, Dubra!