CHICAGO - Despite advanced therapies and new treatment options for patients with, or at risk for cardiovascular disease, access remains a challenge for underserved and minority patient populations. The Spirit of the Heart Community Leaders’ Forum – the first in a national series of forums and health fairs sponsored by the Association of Black Cardiologists – will explore barriers preventing access to cardiovascular care in Chicago and present legislative, community and faith-based calls-to-action to reduce disparities.
WHAT: The Spirit of the Heart Community Leaders’ Forum is an invitation-only discussion about local healthcare disparities and steps for improving access to cardiovascular and primary care on Chicago’s South Side. Participants will discuss concerns of the community, understand local priorities and take away actionable steps for reducing barriers to health care.
WHO: Community activists, church leaders, healthcare providers, healthcare industry leaders and Association of Black Cardiologist members will join a Town Hall led by Dr. Marlon Everett, a cardiologist with Advocate Trinity Hospital. State Rep. Nicholas Smith, Cook County Commissioners Donna Miller and Stanley Moore, Chicago Alderman Gregory Mitchell and William McDade, chief diversity officer, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, have confirmed to participate as panelists.
WHEN: Friday, July 19 | 10 am - Noon – Program begins at 10:15 am.
WHERE: Imani Village | 901 E. 95th Street, Chicago | West Entrance
VISUALS: Passionate spiritual remarks, CPR demonstrations with mannequins, healthy meal and networking, elected officials engaging with community leaders and healthcare workers.
FOR QUESTIONS OR TO SCHEDULE INTERVIEWS WITH DR. EVERETT, A FORUM PANELIST OR FORUM PARTICIPANTS, CONTACT CASSIE RICHARDSON AT cassie.richardson@advocatehealth.com OR (312) 590-1023.
About Advocate Trinity Hospital
Advocate Trinity Hospital, a designated Primary Stroke Center, has provided high-quality, compassionate care to the residents of Chicago’s Southeast Side for more than 120 years. Our board-certified physicians have expertise in more than 50 subspecialties, including advanced heart attack and stroke care, advanced levels of treatment in surgery, and a limb salvage program that serves as a model for other health care providers. Our Emergency Department team care model and triage delivery system minimize wait time and enhance care coordination, while our multi-disciplinary approach to in-patient care optimizes discharge planning and bedside engagement between providers, patients and family members. Advocate Trinity is part of Advocate Aurora Health, the 10th largest not-for-profit, integrated health system in the United States. We help people live well.
About the ABC
The mission of the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. (ABC), is to champion the elimination of CV disparities through education, research and advocacy. ABC is dedicated to eliminating the disparities related to CVD in all people of color. The ABC is a Washington, D.C. based international membership non-profit organization of nearly 45 years. Its members including more than 1,800 healthcare providers of all disciplines, corporations, health advocates, lay persons and others committed in advancing its mission. www.abcardio.org The Spirit of the Heart is a more than 10-year signature community-based program of the ABC, which tours Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, New York City, NY, Orange County, CA, Richmond, VA, and San Francisco, CA, in 2019.