For Immediate Release
November 14, 2025
Media Contact
Whitney Webber, Event and Communication Manager
316-393-9553
whitney.webber.ic@nationalforum.org
Organizations, Clinicians, and Policy Leaders Honored at National Forum’s 2025 Annual Meeting
The National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention honored six individuals and two organizations for exceptional contributions to improving cardiovascular health. The awards were presented at the 23rd National Forum Annual Meeting, Championing a Heart-Healthy America: Uniting Against the Leading Cause of Death, held virtually on October 22, 2025.
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.
Janet Wright, MD, FACC, received the individual award for contributing to progress in heart disease and stroke prevention, benefiting people throughout society as a servant leader with the American College of Cardiology, Million Hearts®, the Office of the Surgeon General, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Walk with a Doc received the organizational award. Founded in 2008 by Dr. David Sabgir, Walk with a Doc established a sustainable model that promotes walking and learning in a social, supportive setting. With more than 600 long-standing, volunteer-led chapters across varied communities in the U.S. and globally, the initiative increases physical activity, improves health literacy, and fosters community connection—strengthening cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health.
The National Forum Public Policy Award recognizes an individual and organization that has effectively advanced policy change to reduce the national, state, or local heart disease and stroke burden.
Mark Mioduski received the individual Public Policy Award. Over four decades as a public servant and lobbyist, Mr. Mioduski has played a substantive role in securing resources to implement the National Public Health Action Plan to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke and has guided public health advocates in advancing policies that protect and promote health for everyone, everywhere.
The Rippel Foundation was honored for investing in, developing, and promoting the Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being framework—making complex determinants of health understandable and actionable—and for advancing measurable systems change that strengthens cardiovascular health across communities and for generations to come.
The National Forum Commitment Award is presented to an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the National Forum.
Meg Guerin-Calvert, MPA, was recognized for unwavering dedication, insightful guidance, inspirational leadership, and collaboration that have strengthened the National Forum’s impact on cardiovascular health.
Derrick Jacobs was recognized for collaboration, operational support, and friendship that have helped strengthen the National Forum’s impact on cardiovascular health.
The National Forum Chair Recognition Award recognizes extraordinary service to ensure optimal cardiovascular health and well-being throughout the lifespan.
David Joel Maron, MD, FACC, FAHA, was honored for uniting experts to develop a Coronary Artery Calcium staging system and practical tools that advance precision prevention and improve shared decision-making, and for decades of leadership in preventive cardiology.
Kate Gawlik, DNP, RN, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, was honored for unwavering dedication, insightful guidance, inspirational leadership, and clinical commitment to population health, preventive medicine, clinician well-being, health professional education, and wellness, including contributions that strengthen cardiovascular disease prevention through Million Hearts®.
About the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Inc.
The National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Inc. (National Forum) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with over 100 member organizations representing patients, healthcare professionals, public health, communities, research, advocacy, and industry. Established in 2002 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Heart Association (AHA), and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), the National Forum is headquartered in Washington, DC.
With a mission to spark and lead collaborative action to ensure optimal cardiovascular and metabolic health and well-being for all people throughout their lifespans, the National Forum is a recognized convener of stakeholders. They come together in National Forum-led educational, policy, and health system-changing collaborations. The National Forum’s leadership of programs such as Move with the Mayor®, Counter Cholesterol®, Value & Access Collaboration, Signature Reports, and Stronger Hearts®, as well as its participation in initiatives such as Million Hearts® and World Heart Day, produce tools that dramatically increase patient engagement and drive aligned changes in local and federal policies across the US.
