The National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention (National Forum) honored four individuals and two organizations for exceptional contributions to cardiovascular health improvement. The awards were presented at the 22nd National Forum Annual Meeting which drew 241 thought- and change-leaders from 163 organizations.
The National Forum Heart Healthy Stroke Free Award recognizes an individual and an organization whose work embodies the recommendations of the National Public Health Action Plan to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke.
Laurence S. Sperling, MD, received the individual award for his leadership, direction of the Million Hearts® initiative, and teaching that continues to be instrumental in advancing public health. His commitment to promoting cardiovascular health has had a profound impact on reducing preventable heart attacks and strokes across the U.S. Dr. Sperling is a Professor in Preventive Cardiology at the Emory Center for Heart Disease Prevention, a Professor of Global Health at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, and Chief Medical Officer of the Family Heart Foundation.
Hearts of Sonoma County, a cardiovascular health initiative in California, was honored for their exceptional collaboration in preventing cardiovascular disease and stroke in Sonoma County. By uniting over 20 organizations, sharing best practices, and developing innovative strategies, Hearts of Sonoma County significantly improved blood pressure control during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their commitment continues to save lives and advance health. Monica Ferguson, MD, MSHP, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
The National Forum Public Policy Award recognizes those who have effectively advanced policy changes that reduce the burden of heart disease and stroke on a national, state, or local level.
Mayor Acquanetta Warren of Fontana, CA, received this award for working with a bipartisan group of mayors to promote passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, obtaining infrastructure funding for Fontana, and leading Fontana’s invest of funds in evidence-based environmental changes to make active transportation accessible to more people, including students and underserved residents. Mayor Warren is in the 4th term as Mayor of Fontana. She began the Healthy Fontana initiative as a member of the City Council and is active in the Move with the Mayor® initiative. Through those initiatives, she has led Fontana residents in accumulating over 24 billion steps since 2017. She received the Health Champion Award for Southern California Elected Officials from the California Center for Public Health in 2017, and the California Health & Public Advocacy Health Champion Award in 2015.
The American College of Cardiology was honored for its exceptional commitment to collaboration and leadership to promote evidence-based policies. The ACC has demonstrated bold leadership by joining with other Value & Access Collaborative members to develop and advance policy changes that expanded access to healthcare. The ACC’s support of this consensus policy agenda stands out favorably, translating its commitment to prioritize patient-centered outcomes, identify barriers to quality care and promote solutions that enhance health.
The National Forum Commitment Award honors an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the National Forum.
Marcus Plescia, MD, MPH, then-Chief Medical Officer at the Association for State and Territorial Health Officials, received this award for his dedication, insight, guidance, leadership, inspiration, and unwavering support as the National Forum Chair the past two years, and a board member since 2018. Dr. Plescia has helped strengthen the National Forum’s impact on cardiovascular health.
National Forum Chair Recognition Award recognizes an individual for extraordinary service to improve health and optimize cardiovascular health and well-being throughout the lifespan.
Letitia Presley-Cantrell, PhD, Branch Chief at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, received this award for her service in the fight against heart disease and stroke and her continuing efforts to improve cardiovascular health in underserved communities. Dr. Presley-Cantrell’s leadership in strengthening cardiovascular health outcomes has made a lasting impact on heart and brain health, strong families, and community vitality nationwide.
The National Forum brings together organizations in cardiovascular health, providing a forum and outlet for organizations to amplify their voices. Its members include more than 100 public, private, and non-profit organizations. The National Forum is an independent non-profit, 501(C)(3), voluntary health organization. To learn more, visit www.nationalforum.org.
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