Honoring Distinguished Advocates and Raising
Awareness for Health Equity and Diversity in Medicine.
WASHINGTON, July 12,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of Black
Cardiologists (ABC) proudly announces that renowned actor, writer,
and director Jocko Sims will serve
as the Honorary Chairperson for the 15th Annual Spirit of the Heart
Awards Dinner and Fundraiser. The event, scheduled for September 14th at 6 PM
PT at the InterContinental Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, will
celebrate and honor six distinguished individuals and organizations
for their outstanding contributions to medicine, healthcare, and
community service.
The theme for this year's event 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. "As we
celebrate the 50th year of the ABC, the Spirit of the Heart Awards
Dinner stands as a testament to our enduring commitment to health
equity. This event not only honors those who have made significant
contributions to cardiovascular health but also underscores ABC's
mission to eliminate disparities 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" says Anthony Fletcher, MD,
ABC's President.
Honorees for the 2024 Spirit of the Heart Awards:
- 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 Your Health Campaign
- Public Policy Award: Foluso
Fakorede, MD
- Spirit of the Heart Award: The National Forum for Heart
Disease & Stroke Prevention
Sims has consistently used his platform to raise awareness about
the importance of diversity in healthcare. In 2021, he made a cameo
appearance at the virtual 12th Annual Spirit of the Heart Awards
Dinner and Fundraiser, where he applauded ABC's health equity
efforts and spoke about his show, NBC's New Amsterdam's efforts to
highlight disparities in healthcare. More recently, he participated
in a special screening and panel discussion at SeriesFest, along
with Past ABC President Dr. Michelle
Albert and other distinguished panelists. The discussion
provided insights from television creators and real medical
professionals on the critical issue of the lack of Black doctors in
America's healthcare system.
The evening will be hosted by Thomas
Cunningham IV, a distinguished producer, director, and
social commentator. Together with Sims, Cunningham will guide
attendees through a night of celebration, recognition, and
inspiration. The awards dinner will also honor the next generation
of medicine and science leaders with scholarships.
As a special precursor to the gala, an in-person Policy Pulse
Summit will be held on Friday, September
13, addressing critical health policy issues impacting
healthcare and cardiovascular health.
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.
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 Tboyd@abcardio.org. Access the sponsorship deck
here: https://abcardioevents.org/become-a-sponsor/
About the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC):
Founded in 1974, the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. (ABC)
is a nonprofit with a global membership exceeding 2,000
individuals, including health professionals, community health
advocates, and corporate and institutional members. The ABC remains
dedicated to its mission of promoting heart health and wellness in
minority communities and eliminating disparities in cardiovascular
care for all people, with a particular focus on Black Americans.
Through advocacy, education, and research, ABC works to ensure that
every person has the opportunity to achieve optimal heart
health. Today, ABC's public and private partnerships continue
to make strides in improving cardiovascular outcomes in
communities across the nation. Connect with us
at www.abcardio.org and join our efforts on
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram,
and LinkedIn.
For more information about the Awards, Honorees, and the Awards
Dinner, visit abcardioevents.org.
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SOURCE Association of Black Cardiologists