The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) will hold their Policy Pulse Summit on Friday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the InterContinental Hotel Downtown Los Angeles.
On Saturday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m., ABC will host the Spirit of the Heart Awards at the InterContinental. The theme of the dinner and fundraiser is “Celebrating A Half Century of ABC Leadership: Where Every Heart Counts,” marking 50 years of ABC’s mission to promote the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and achieve health equity for all. Also, the organization will honor individuals who have made significant contributions to cardiovascular health.
Dr. Icilma Fergus and Dr. Barbara Hutchinson are co-chairs of the dinner and fundraiser. Fergus is a professor of Medicine and director of Cardiovascular Disparities and Clinical Lipidology at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital at Mount Sinai. A board-certified professional in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, she specializes in preventative cardiology, specifically focusing on lipids and hypertension, women’s heart disease, and cardiovascular health advocacy.
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Hutchinson is a renowned cardiologist who is the president of Chesapeake Cardiac Care, an adult cardiology practice, headquartered in Bowie, Maryland. She is board-certified in both cardiovascular disease and sleep medicine as well as medical director at Flourish, Bowie. Hutchinson is also a noted speaker on heart disease in women and how sleep affects heart health.
The Policy Pulse Summit will focus on improving cardiovascular health equity through effective policy, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships. The symposium will also address critical issues affecting cardiometabolic health in Black communities.
Actor and director Jocko Sims is the honorary chair of the Spirit of the Heart Awards Dinner. In addition to playing a doctor on the medical drama “New Amsterdam,” Sims has consistently used his platform to raise awareness about the importance of diversity in healthcare.
“We are excited to have Jocko Sims join us in this milestone 50th year to honor individuals and organizations who inspire us to continue striving for a future where every heart counts,” ABC President Dr. Anthony Fletcher said. Also, Thomas Cunningham IV, a distinguished producer, director, and social commentator, will serve as host.
The awards dinner will also honor the next generation of medicine and science leaders with scholarships. Honorees for the 2024 Spirit of the Heart Awards are:
Distinguished Leadership Award: Michelle Albert, MD, MPH
Dr. Walter M. Booker, Sr. Health Promotion Award: The Balm in Gilead
Health Equity Champion Award: Biosense Webster
Media Partner Award: OWN Television Network’s OWN Your Health Campaign
Public Policy Award: Foluso Fakorede, MD
Spirit of the Heart Award: The National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention
Proceeds from ABC’s annual fundraiser support its work in at-risk communities, enabling effective educational, outreach, and research programs. Funds also provide scholarships for underrepresented minorities (URM) in cardiology and support early career development through research fellowship awards.
The Association of Black Cardiologists was founded by Dr. Richard Allen Williams, a cardiologist and assistant medical director at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hospital in the Watts neighborhood in Los Angeles. Since 1974, the nonprofit organization has grown to more than 2,000 healthcare, lay professionals, corporate members, and institutional members.
For tickets or to purchase ads in the program book, visit https://abcardio.kindful.com/e/15th-annual-spirit-of-the-heart-awards-dinner-and-fundraise
For sponsorship inquiries, contact Tammy Boyd at [email protected]. Access the sponsorship deck here: https://abcardioevents.org/become-a-sponsor/
