NBC’s New Amsterdam Star Jocko Sims Joins The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC)’s Milestone 15th Annual Spirit of the Heart Awards Dinner as Honorary Chairman
Honoring Distinguished Advocates and Raising Awareness for Health Equity and Diversity in Medicine.
WASHINGTON, DC, July. 8, 2024 -- The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) proudly announces that renowned actor, writer, and director Jocko Sims will be 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.
This year’s event theme 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.
Honorees for the 2024 Spirit of the Heart Awards:
❖ Distinguished Leadership Award: Michelle Albert, MD, MPH
❖ Dr. Walker 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.
"It's an honor to work with the Association of Black Cardiologists again. On 'New Amsterdam,' we highlighted critical issues like the lack of Black doctors and the significant impact this has on healthcare outcomes. ABC's mission to promote health equity aligns perfectly with my passion for addressing these issues, and I'm committed to supporting their vital work." Says Jocko Sims.
Thomas Cunningham IV, a distinguished producer, director, and social commentator, will host the evening. 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.
Event Details:
● Date: September 14, 2024
● Time: 6 PM PT
● Venue: InterContinental Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
As a special precursor to the Awards Dinner, an in-person Policy Pulse Summit will be held on Friday, September 13, addressing critical health policy issues impacting cardiovascular and maternal 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 or 202-436-0558. 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.
Media Contact for interviews, photos, and more information:
Edna Sims, Owner, ESP Public Relations
310-770-8117 ~ esppr@icloud.com
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