ABC Advocacy

The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) is dedicated to eliminating disparities related to cardiovascular disease for all people of color and adheres to the vision that all people regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender should benefit equally from a reduction in the frequency, duration, and impact of diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

The ABC endeavors to be a leading authority for policymakers on issues that impact the practice of and access to cardiovascular care in all populations, including by advocating for initiatives and programs focused on education, prevention, and treatment.

ABC is focused on building strong, effective relationships with varied stakeholders throughout the healthcare community to help advance its advocacy agenda. Collaboration is a pillar of success.

Our Advocacy and Public Policy Agenda include:

  • Lead initiatives fostering inclusivity in healthcare workforce and research

  • Improve Worforce Diversity

  • Increase minority populations in clinical trials

  • Remove barriers to existing and emerging technologies

  • Patient access and adherence

  • Champion policies that ensure access to affordable, high-quality cardiac care

  • Reduce Racial Bias in Medicine

  • Cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention

  • Access to care

  • Collaborate with policymakers, healthcare providers, and advocates to address factors influencing cardiovascular health and outcomes

ABC Public Policy Priorities

  • Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC)

    Originally introduced by Representatives Donald Payne* (D-NJ) and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) during the 118th Congress, the legislation expands Medicare and Medicaid coverage to incorporate peripheral artery disease (PAD) screening and bars reimbursement for amputation without prior arterial testing. The bill also establishes a PAD education program through the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

  • Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) Act

    Previously led by Sen. Tom Carper* (D-DE), Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Rep. Brad Wenstrup* (R-OH), and Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), the legislation expands Medicare coverage to include screening and treatment of obesity. This includes enhancing patient access to intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) specialists and allowing Medicare Part D to cover FDA-approved obesity medications.

  • Affordable Care Act (ACA) 

    Preserving access to ACA and safeguarding the meaningful coverage and patient protections it provides.

  • Medicare and Medicaid 

    Opposing changes or restructuring efforts that weaken Medicare and/or Medicaid. This includes opposing measures such as work or reporting requirements, block grants or other funding caps, increased Medicare privatization, and other efforts that limit these programs’ ability to support those in need.

  • Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Drug Pricing Provisions 

    Defending against efforts to rollback or repeal the Medicare prescription drug pricing provisions included under the IRA, which serve as an important lifeline to affordable care for millions.

  • Clinical Trial Diversity Action Plan Requirements 

    Holding the Food and Drug Administration accountable for fully implementing Diversity Action Plans as mandated by Congress and opposing any attempts to delay or undermine these requirements.

  • Tobacco Control 

    Opposing pro-tobacco efforts that would promote the use of cigarettes, flavored tobacco, and other nicotine products.

  • Federal Agency Funding 

    Preventing against budget cuts for key federal agencies and programs that work to advance cardiovascular education, prevention, treatment, and overall health promotion including the:

    • National Institutes of Health (NIH), including programs overseen by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD); and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including programs overseen by the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention; Office on Smoking and Health; Division of Diabetes Translation; and National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
    • Health Resources and Services Administration, including programs administered by Title VII and Title VIII workforce development programs.
    • Various Offices of Minority Health within the Department of Health and Human Services and across the federal government.