National Minority Quality Forum Provides Tracking Tool to Address Cardiovascular Disease in Minority P...(aid Dr. Keith C. Ferdinand Chief Science...),Health

In addition to being used to view the prevalence of CVD on a local level, the CVD Atlas allows users to analyze data for the country as a whole. For example, the Atlas reveals that thirty-one percent of all "minority" zip codes have cardiovascular disease prevalence rates above the national average (a minority zip code is defined as having a population that is made up of 50% or more minorities).

"We are proud to receive the endorsement of the American College of Cardiology and the Association of Black Cardiologists, leading voices in the cardiovascular world, as well as the support of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. With their support, the CVD Atlas will help us to reduce the staggering burden of CVD in the U.S.," said Gary Puckrein, CEO, NMQF.

About the National Minority Quality Forum

Gary A. Puckrein, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Minority Quality Forum founded the organization in 1998 to address the critical need for strengthening national and local efforts to use evidence-based, data-driven initiatives to guide programs to eliminate the disproportionate burden of premature death and preventable illness for racial and ethnic minorities and other special populations.

Since 2004, the Forum has hosted the Annual Leadership Summit in April, focusing on disparities and improving quality of health care for all minorities. This event brings together congressional leaders, federal, state and local government, physicians, managed-care, pharmaceutical companies and patient and minority advocacy groups to support the implementation of integrated solutions to improve health care for minority populations.

For more information about the American College of Cardiology, please visit www.acc.org
'/>"/>