Bridging the Gap: New Partnership Targets Heart Health Disparities in Underserved Communities

NEW YORK, NY – November 19, 2025

A Proactive Approach to Cardiovascular Health

A new partnership between Care Access, a global health and research company, and the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) is poised to expand access to preventative cardiovascular care in communities disproportionately affected by heart disease. The collaboration leverages Care Access’s ‘Future of Medicine’ community health program and ABC’s established network to deliver free heart health screenings, education, and expanded research opportunities directly to those who need it most.

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States, but its impact is not felt equally. Decades of research clearly demonstrate significant disparities in heart health outcomes based on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) consistently show that non-Hispanic Black adults experience higher rates of heart disease, stroke, and related mortality compared to their White counterparts. These disparities are often compounded by limited access to quality healthcare, lack of insurance, and social determinants of health that create systemic barriers to preventative care.

“For too long, communities of color have faced systemic disadvantages that impact their heart health,” says one public health professional familiar with the initiative. “This partnership is a step towards addressing those inequities by bringing the care directly to the people who need it, rather than waiting for them to navigate a complex and often inaccessible healthcare system.”

Expanding Access Through Community-Based Care

The core of the collaboration is an expansion of Care Access's ‘Future of Medicine’ program. While details of the program prior to this partnership were somewhat limited in public disclosures, it has always focused on bringing clinical research and health services directly into communities. This decentralized approach is particularly crucial for reaching underserved populations who may face transportation barriers, time constraints, or distrust of the traditional healthcare system.

By partnering with the Association of Black Cardiologists, Care Access is tapping into a wealth of expertise and a deeply rooted network within Black communities. ABC has a long history of community outreach programs, including health screenings, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts. Their “Spirit of the Heart” program, for example, provides community-based screenings and resources to promote heart-healthy lifestyles. The partnership will combine these efforts, expanding the reach and impact of both organizations.

“This is not just about providing screenings; it’s about building trust and fostering long-term relationships within the community,” explains a source within ABC. “We want to empower people to take control of their heart health and provide them with the resources and support they need to make informed decisions.” The program will prioritize free cholesterol checks, blood pressure screenings, and education on healthy eating, physical activity, and stress management.

Research and Innovation: Closing the Equity Gap

Beyond preventative screenings and education, the partnership also aims to expand research opportunities within underserved neighborhoods. Historically, clinical trials have lacked diversity, leading to a gap in knowledge about how different populations respond to various treatments and interventions. This lack of diversity can perpetuate health disparities and limit the effectiveness of healthcare for all.

By bringing research opportunities directly to communities, the partnership hopes to increase participation in clinical trials and ensure that research findings are representative of the broader population. This will require building trust with community members, addressing concerns about research participation, and ensuring that research protocols are culturally sensitive and relevant.

“We need to move beyond simply asking people to participate in research; we need to actively engage them in the research process,” says a researcher familiar with community-based research. “That means involving community members in the design, implementation, and evaluation of research studies.” The partnership will focus on identifying research priorities within the community and conducting studies that address those needs.

Numerous other organizations are actively working to address heart health disparities, including the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. However, the collaborative approach of Care Access and ABC, combining community-based care with expanded research opportunities, represents a promising model for closing the equity gap in cardiovascular health. The partnership’s success will depend on sustained funding, strong community engagement, and a commitment to addressing the systemic factors that contribute to health disparities.