The Association of Black Cardiologists To Host 7th Annual "Spirit of The Heart" Awards Gala

NEW YORK - Sept. 15, 2016 - PRLog -- The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) will host its seventh annual "Spirit of the Heart" Awards Gala on October 1st at Cipriani 42nd Street (110 E. 42nd Street- NY, NY 10017) at 7pm (Media Hour - 6pm).  The event will benefit ABC's ongoing clinical research, "Spirit of the Heart" community outreach and advocacy for heart disease prevention.  Proceeds will also support the education of underrepresented minorities in the field of Cardiology through ABC's fellowship awards.

The prestigious celebration of life will honor individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the field of cardiology.  Each honoree will be recognized for facilitating partnerships with public, private and social sectors to build cohesive communities dedicated to the advancement of health equity and/or the elimination of cardiovascular disease disparities in the delivery of healthcare.

Celebrity Screen Actor and Health Advocate Lamman Rucker will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the highly anticipated event.  Other special highlights include include music entertainment and the attendance of notable industry leaders, patient advocates, celebs and allied healthcare professionals.

Dr. Barbara Hutchinson remarks, "As ABC President and former Awards Gala Chair, I am amazed each year by the enthusiasm and outstanding contributions from all sectors of the community in support of our mission and annual fundraiser.  The cooperative efforts of ABC and its partners are fundamental to inspiring and guiding our nation towards eliminating disparities and ensuring health equity for all.  We are proud of our honorees and  their efforts to increase workforce diversity; advance advocacy and patient engagement initiatives; mentoring of aspiring doctors, as well as for their academic leadership.  Today and every day, this selfless devotion is making a difference for you, your loved ones and for every person in communities across the country."

ABC will present awards to seven notable recipients including: Michael Dowling - President and Chief Executive Officer, Northwell Health (ABC Spirit of the Heart Award);  Luther T. Clark, MD - Global Director, Scientific Medical and Patient Perspective; Office of the CMO, Merck and Co., Inc. (ABC Distinguished Leadership Award); Valentin Fuster, MD - Physician in- Chief, The Mt. Sinai Medical Hospital; Director, The Mount Sinai Heart (Dr. Walter M. Booker, Sr. Health Promotion Award); Arbor Pharmaceuticals, LLC accepted by Ed Schutter, CEO (ABC Health Equity Award); Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University accepted by Vincent J.B. Robinson, MD (ABC Diversity in Cardiology Award); Yele Aluko, MD- Senior Vice President and Medical Director, Novant Health Heart and Vascular Institute (ABC Mentorship Award); Felipe C. Robinson, MD - Founding Member of The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC Visionary Award) posthumously accepted by Mrs. Audrey Robinson.

The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), founded in 1974, has taken a leadership role in promoting the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease including stroke in African Americans and other minorities and achieving health equity for all through the elimination of disparities in all people of color.  ABC represents a diverse international membership of 1,500 health professionals, community lay members, corporate and institutional members dedicated to this cause.

For more information on the "Spirit of Heart" Awards and the Association of Black Cardiologists, visit  www.abcardio.org

For press inquiries and media hour attendance,  contact Living Hope Co. info@livinghopeco.com - 646-504-1191.