The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) joined bipartisan members of Congress, leading medical societies, and patient advocates in Washington for the relaunch of the Congressional Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Caucus, a critical step forward in addressing one of the nation’s most underdiagnosed and undertreated cardiovascular conditions.
Hosted by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), the event brought together members of the PAD Pulse Alliance—including ABC, a founding member—to advance policy solutions aimed at improving screening, reducing preventable amputations, and expanding equitable access to limb-saving care.
Peripheral artery disease affects more than 10 million Americans and disproportionately impacts Black and underserved communities. Nearly 70 percent of individuals living with PAD do not know they have it, and without early detection, the disease can lead to chronic pain, heart attack, stroke, or limb loss.
Representing ABC at the event, Dr. Wayne B. Batchelor, MD, MHS, FSCAI, emphasized the urgency of closing the gap in PAD care.
“Peripheral Artery Disease disproportionately impacts Black Americans and other underserved communities, yet it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. That is a gap in care we must close,” said Dr. Batchelor. “The Association of Black Cardiologists stands with the bipartisan Congressional PAD Caucus and our partners to advance education, high-risk screening, and access to limb-saving care. This is about prevention, accountability, and saving limbs and lives.”
The relaunched Caucus will focus on expanding Medicare coverage for PAD screening in high-risk populations, increasing federal investment in PAD research and awareness, and reducing unnecessary amputations through earlier detection and intervention.
As a founding member of the PAD Pulse Alliance, ABC continues to lead efforts that address disparities in vascular care, promote evidence-based screening, and advocate for policies that protect patients most at risk.
