O UR M ISSION We believe that good health is the cornerstone of progress. We are firm in our resolve to make exemplary health care accessible and affordable to all in need, dedicated to lowering the high rate of cardiovascular disease in minority populations, and committed to advocacy and diversity. We are guided by high ethics in all transactions and strive for excellence in our training and skills. ● Be Spiritually Active ● Take Charge of Your Blood Pressure ● Control Your Cholesterol ● Track Your Blood Sugar 7 Steps to a Healthy Heart ● Eat Smart and Enjoy Regular Exercise ● Don’t Smoke ● Access Excellent Healthcare and Take Medication as Prescribed “Children Should Know Their Grandparents So They Will Become GREAT Grandparents!” 30 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP 30 Years of Growth 30 YEARS YOUNG Table of Contents Raison d’Etre (Why we need the ABC) . .2 ABC History . .3 Message from the President . .7 Message from the Chief Executive Officer . .8 Member of the Year . .10 Employee of the Year . .10 Member Services . .11 CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE Continuing Education and Professional Development . .14 Epidemiology . .19 Women’s Health . .22 OTHER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Public Relations and Marketing . .25 Scholarships and Awards . .27 Publications . .28 ABC Staff . .29 Capital Campaign . .30 ABC Committees . .32 Financial Report . .36 TIMELINE ABC 1974 The ABC was founded November 18, in Dallas, TX . NC , I ABC Raison d’Etre (Why we need the ABC) ARDIOLOGISTS C The Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. exists as an advocate, catalyst, organizer, coach, cheerleader, motivator, partner, leader, LACK B and innovator for programs that will reduce the tremendous car- diovascular disease burden for African Americans. Our goal is to achieve zero disparities in our vulnerability to cardiovascular dis- ease (CVD), access to quality health care and outcomes from treat- SSOCIATION OF A ment. Not to be overlooked is our belief that the number of African American health care providers should be representative of the population. In other words, the number of African American cardiologists should increase six hundred percent. Most African American men and women are more afraid of cancer (breast and prostate), AIDS and violence than CVD, even though CVD is responsible for more deaths in the Black community than 2004 ANNUAL REPORT 2004 ANNUAL all other diseases combined. In addition, those diagnosed with cancer and diabetes tend to become so preoccupied with address- 2 ing the immediate problem they succumb to CVD because these risk factors are ignored. While cancer, AIDS and violence are seri- ous problems that plague our community, we should not underes- timate the impact of CVD on our health and well being. Our first alert of a CVD problem is often our last. Three out of four deaths from coronary heart disease occur during the first attack. African Americans are also more likely to ignore and “tough out” the symp- toms of heart and brain attacks than Whites. Of particular concern to us is the recognition of the dramatic increase in obesity in African American women, particularly teenagers. We live in an era when adult women exercise more than girls. How about reinstating gym classes? Obesity is approaching epidemic proportions which has led to a 61 percent increase in the rate of those diagnosed with diabetes since 1990. Elementary and high school students now have immediate access to sodas (sugar water), doughnuts, candy and potato chips throughout the day hypertensive African American women may be attributable to high because school boards are selling their children’s health as a profit blood pressure (HBP). HBP continues to be the number one making entity from vending machines. What are your children eat- health problem in the Black community with high prevalence and ing for lunch? Would you believe a couple of candy bars and sodas? low rates of effective treatment. More attention should be paid to treatment and particularly to compliance with medical regimen. We must recognize that uncontrolled hypertension and high blood Compared to whites, Blacks have a 1.3 times greater rate of non- cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity, loneliness and isolation, fatal stroke, a 1.8 times greater rate of fatal stroke, a 1.5 times smoking, frustration and stress, (alone or in concert) destroy our greater rate of heart disease death and a 4.2 times greater rate of cardiovascular system. Compared to whites, young African Amer- end-stage renal disease (ESRD). For these reasons, the ABC con- icans have a two times greater risk of ischemic stroke and are more tinues to educate the African American community on the dev- likely to die from strokes. As many as 30 percent of deaths for astating effects of CVD in hopes of dramatically decreasing hypertensive African American men and 20 percent of deaths in these statistics. ABC History FOUNDING MEMBERS 30 Years of Leadership: In 1974, at the first cardiovascular disease disparities conference, 17 dedicated medical professionals came together to establish an organization whose mission is to address the disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease and inequities in cardiovascular care for African Americans. This organization became the ABC. For the past 30 years, the ABC has continued to carry the mission and advance the goals of its founders. NC , I ARDIOLOGISTS C LACK B Richard Allen Williams, M.D. Edith Irby Jones, M.D. (Founder) SSOCIATION OF A Major Geer, M.D.* Boisey O. Barnes, M.D. Alphonzo Jordan, M.D.* 2004 ANNUAL REPORT 2004 ANNUAL Richard F. Gillum, M.D. 3 Paul T. Batties, M.D. Huerta C. Neals, M.D.* L. Julian Haywood, M.D. Walter M. Booker, Sr., Ph.D.* Levi V. Perry, M.D. Hannibal E. Howell, M.D. Kermit R. Brown, M.D. Elijah Saunders, M.D. Paul M. Jackson, M.D. *Deceased Charles L. Curry, M.D. Daniel D. Savage, M.D., Ph.D.* TIMELINE ABC 1984 1980 The Framingham Minority The ABC celebrates its 1984 The ABC Newsletter Study was initiated by 10th Anniversary by was first published Dr. Daniel D. Savage in sponsoring its First Annual conjunction with the ABC Scientific Sessions in Nassau, Bahamas . NC ABC HISTORY CONT’D Dr. Richard Allen Williams (1974-84), , I founder, brought the group together and creat- The ABC was founded in 1974 out of a need to bring special ed the foundation upon which the organization focus and attention to the adverse impact of cardiovascular dis- has grown. Among his many contributions to ARDIOLOGISTS C ease on African Americans. We are an inclusive organization. the ABC, Dr. Williams published the first ABC Membership is open to all who are interested in assuring that Newsletter. In his honor, the ABC established LACK B African American children know their grandparents so they will the Dr. Richard Allen Williams Scholarship for become great grandparents. This will only be achieved by effec- medical students in 1984. tively lowering the high rate of heart disease, diabetes and stroke in our community. This can be accomplished with the availabil- Dr. Daniel Savage* (1984-86) brought scien- SSOCIATION OF A ity of culturally competent health care providers, effective and tific rigor, technical innovation, and an appre- respectful care, equal access to medical care, and more empha- ciation for the importance of clinical trials in sis on community based health risk reduction programs. These African Americans. programs empower people to take responsibility for their own health and produce research that will provide the data for more Dr. Elijah Saunders (1986-88) pioneered appropriate planning and implementation of effective strategies. ABC’s community health programs beginning in 1979. He hired ABC’s CEO, Dr. Waine The cornerstone of ABC’s activities has been its continuing Kong, in 1986 and they worked as a team to 2004 ANNUAL REPORT 2004 ANNUAL educational department, which averages 50 programs per year. develop church and barbershop programs. Since 1995, the ABC has provided its own CME credits and has 4 expanded its services to include print and online activities. Other ABC programs include legislative and member advocacy; Dr. Jay Brown* (1988-92) brought a strictness scholarships for medical students; fellowships for Cardiologists- of structure, discipline, and uncompromising In-Training; fourth year fellowships for subspecialty training; integrity and accountability. He also created community outreach and health promotion; and participation the annual cardiology fellows’ program. in clinical trials and research. In addition to the numerous serv- ices provided by the ABC, the organization publishes an ABC Newsletter (quarterly); a medical journal, Digest of Urban Cardi- ology (bi-monthly); and an annual calendar; Pioneering African Americans in Conquest of Heart Disease. Dr. Augustus Grant (1992-94), recommend- ed installation of a cardiology fellows’ repre- The success of ABC’s programs reflects the commitment of its sentative to the Board of Directors, initiated members, staff and outstanding leadership — individuals who the effort to get CME accreditation status, and devote themselves selflessly and tirelessly to the mission of the began the regional programs as suggested by organization. This is perhaps best exemplified by presidents Dr. Jerome Robinson. who have provided dedicated leadership, and made an impact on the development of the organization with their passion and Dr. Paul Douglass (1994-98) served the ABC personalities. for two terms. He brought financial growth and stability to the organization, provided leadership in the healthcare reform effort (including a meeting with first lady Hilary Clinton), created Fourth Year Fellowship Pro- grams in Electrophysiology and Interventional Cardiology, and opened the ABC offices in downtown Atlanta. It was during Dr. Douglass’ tenure that the ABC Pioneers’ Calendar was produced and the ABC expanded its efforts to “honor our heroes and keep our history alive.” It was during Dr. Frank James’ (1998-2000) Dr. Malcolm Taylor (2002-04) continued tenure that the enormously successful twenty- ABC’s goal to build its International Library, fifth anniversary celebration featuring Ms.