Community Health Advocate (CHA)

We encourage community-wide participation in heart disease prevention, education, detection and lifestyle changes that can improve the cardiovascular health status of all communities.This includes those with a majority of African Americans residents who remain at higher risk for heart disease and stroke when compared to white Americans.

We are involved in advocacy in a number of ways at the local, regional, and national levels:

MEMBER ADVOCACY

The ABC offers support for individual members who may have been unfairly targeted by other members of the medical community. In such situations where professional competence is questioned, the ABC ensures fair representation for its members. The ABC is also very involved in promoting the careers and prominence of its members through nominations and support for appointments to high office in both the public and private arenas.

PROFESSIONAL ADVOCACY

Whether it’s urging medical schools to admit more African Americans to cardiology training programs, or collaborating with other ABC partners about issues affecting the cardiology profession or the wider medical community, ABC is active in and committed to professional advocacy.

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY ADVOCACY

The ABC advocates before Congress, federal regulators and other policymakers in order to keep a focus on the need to achieve health equity. We encourage you to communicate with your U.S. Representative and your two U.S. Senators on issues important to you. Please see below for issue briefs and a “How To” resource for contacting Congress.

The Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. invites faith-based organizations and individuals interested in reducing cardiovascular disease among African Americans to become ABC members. Here are some of the benefits of being an ABC Community Health Advocate:

Faith Based/ Civic Organizations

Annual Membership Fee: no cost

Benefits:

Health Education Materials
Health Screenings and Monitoring Events
ABC Electronic Newsletter

Individuals

Annual Membership Fee: no cost

Benefits:

Health Education Materials
ABC Electronic Newsletter
Health Screenings and Monitoring Events

For more information, please contact Katrese Phelps McCullum, Program Director at kphelps@abcardio.org or 800-753-9222.