The American College of Cardiology is showing its commitment to health equity by hosting a Health Equity Summit for leaders across cardiology and a program for young scholars from the American Association of Indian Physicians’ National Native American Youth Initiative (NNAYI) to ensure the most vulnerable populations are receiving life-saving cardiovascular disease prevention education and treatments.

Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women worldwide, and in many cases, it is 100% preventable; however, many populations don’t have the education and access they need to maintain their cardiovascular health. Through the ACC’s mission-driven focus on transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all, the College is working to ensure a culture of equitable cardiovascular care and heart health for all by acknowledging social determinants of health and eliminating disparities.

“The ACC recognizes the negative impact of cardiovascular health inequities on patient care delivery, cardiovascular outcomes and population health,” said Melvin Echols, MD, FACC, ACC Chief Health Equity Advancement and Inclusion Officer, “We strive to work with all stakeholders to improve health care for everyone. A better state of health is achievable even without perfect circumstances. ACC is stepping up to lead this initiative."
The Health Equity Summit is part of ACC’s health equity vision of achieving a culture of health where every person reaches their full cardiovascular health potential as a natural right. The theme of this year’s Health Equity Summit is "Building and Sustaining Adaptive and Resilient Health Systems.” Leaders from across health care societies and industries will participate in sessions and discussions on the critical business rationale for advancing health equity, hear success stories from community engagement programs and initiatives to improve cardiovascular care in rural and underprivileged communities and collaboratively design practical solutions to real-world inequities in cardiovascular care.

In addition to the summit, the College is hosting young American Indian/Alaska Native scholars from the NNAYI. ACC leaders will introduce the students to the field of cardiology, including engaging in interactive cardiology workshops and learning how they can help their communities lead heart healthier lives.

“We want the Indigenous People of America to understand we stand with them. We have collaborated with the Association of American Indian Physicians for over three years and look forward to continuing our meaningful partnership,” Echols said. “The College is proud to support the NNAYI’s mission to improve health and eliminate existing health disparities for Native communities.”

To speak to someone about the College’s health equity initiatives, contact ACC Media Relations Director Nicole Napoli at nnapoli@acc.org.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is a global leader dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. For more than 75 years, the ACC has empowered a community of over 60,000 cardiovascular professionals across more than 140 countries with cutting-edge education and advocacy, rigorous professional credentials, and trusted clinical guidance. From its world-class JACC Journals and NCDR registries to its Accreditation Services, global network of Chapters and Sections, and CardioSmart patient initiatives, the College is committed to creating a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or connect on social media at @ACCinTouch.
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