Cleveland (Aug 31, 2025) – The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) is partnering with the Cleveland Clinic to offer free heart health screenings by Care Access at the 4th annual Pop Up in the Park community gathering, taking place Sunday, August 31, 2025. This vibrant, family-friendly festival supports the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation (MTKYN) and aims to educate, engage, and empower the community around heart health awareness.
The screenings, available onsite from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, are part of ABC’s ongoing mission to eliminate cardiovascular disease (CVD) disparities among Black and minority populations, something the organization has championed for over 50 years through outreach, advocacy, and education.
“Direct work in our communities is a cornerstone of care for the Association of Black Cardiologists,” said Dr. Anthony Fletcher, ABC President. “We are proud to bring these essential screenings into the Cleveland community and continue to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and advance heart health.”
This initiative arrives at a critical time. Nearly 60% of Black adults in the US live with some form of CVD, and in Ohio, Black adults face an 18% higher risk of dying from heart disease when compared to their White counterparts. Ohio ranks as the 12th worst state in the nation for CVD-related deaths – 16% above the national average.
Recommended Quote: “We are seeing a clear need for increased education on heart and vascular disease,” said Dr. Lee Kirksey, Cleveland Clinic. “Understanding personal risk is the first and most powerful step toward prevention—and it’s knowledge we believe everyone should have access to.”
The 4th Annual Pop Up in the Park will guest-star MTKYN founder and Browns cornerback, Denzel Ward, and feature live performances from legends like Dru Hill and Adina Howard and engaging health and wellness demos – all alongside dozens of food trucks, vendors, and activities for families. The event will take place at Mall C (Strawbridge Plaza), Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, OH. Gates will open at 2pm and festivities will run from 3-10pm ET.
“Pop Up in the Park is more than a celebration, it’s a movement to bring the community together around music, wellness and heart health. At the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation we are pleased to partner with the Association of Black Cardiologists to ensure that families have access to lifesaving screenings, education and care,” shared Nicole Ward, Executive Director, Make Them Know Your Name Foundation.
For more information on this event, visit www.popupitp.com.
About the Association of Black Cardiologists
Founded in 1974, ABC is a nonprofit organization with an international membership of over 2,000 health professionals, lay members of the community (Community Health Advocates), corporate members, and institutional members. The ABC is dedicated to eliminating the disparities related to cardiovascular disease in all people of color. www.abcardio.org/
