Membership Spotlight: Association of Black Cardiologists

By Theo Smith, Associate, Marketing & Communications  

Cardiovascular disease, also called heart disease, involves numerous heart and blood vessel related problems called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition that develops when plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. This buildup narrows the artery walls and makes it harder for blood to flow through the blood vessels. If a blood clot forms the blood flow can be blocked and cause a heart attack or stroke.   

The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) is dedicated to eliminating the disparities related to cardiovascular disease in all people of color. Founded in 1974, the ABC is a nonprofit organization with an international membership of health professionals, lay members of the community (Community Health Advocates), corporate members, and institutional members.  

In their efforts to reducing the cardiovascular disease disparity gap by 20% by 2025, the ABC highlights factors that contribute to health disparities and develops solutions-oriented programming.  Addressing conditions that place a burden on African American patients has been an area of ongoing focus. The ABC recognizes that closing the disparity gap also requires providing ongoing provider and patient education in addition to a commitment to making medications accessible on all insurance lines.  

 Today, the ABC’s public and private partnerships continue to increase their impact in communities across the nation in eliminating disparities related to cardiovascular disease in all people of color. 

Working together, ABC and the NHC create a collaborative environment and put forward consensus public policy solutions that keep the patient central to all we do.  

To learn more about the Association of Black Cardiologists, go to their website. 

If you would like more information on NHC membership, please contact Bob Scott.