Shands Jacksonville is hosting its second annual African American Heart Health Summit Friday, Sept. 15 at the Wyndham Hotel. The event is free and open to the public, however space is limited and guests must RSVP. Shands Jacksonville is expecting 250 to 300 people. This year’s guest speaker is Keith C. Ferdinand, M.D., clinical professor at the cardiology division at Emory University. Ferdinand is also the chief science officer for the Association of Black Cardiologists.
The focus of the event is prevention and awareness. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for African American men and women according to the American Heart Association. The event will include stress free health screenings and information on the new drug BiDil, which is showing promise in treating African Americans with heart disease. Channel 4 is serving as a sponsor of the event and their anchorman Rob Sweeting will talk to the audience about his experience with heart disease. Alan Miller, M.D., a cardiologist and a professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville will also share heart related information.
Seating is limited. Please call 244-4245 to RSVP. The Heart Health Summit is being held at the Wyndham Hotel at 1515 Prudential Drive on Friday, Sept. 15. Health screenings begin at 6 p.m. and the forum starts at 7 p.m.