Heading into ACC.25, ACC’s Chicago Community Health Fair reached more than 200 residents living south of the city with free heart health screenings, resources and education on Tuesday, March 25.

"We have to help build up communities that support healthy lives,” said Paul L. Douglass, MD, MACC, chair of ACC’s Health Equity Committee. “That's what we're doing here."

More than 20 community organizations participated in the event, held at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, providing valuable resources and information on healthy eating, lifestyle changes, physical activity, local health care services and more. Also, more than 60 ACC member volunteers, including medical students and Fellows in Training, were on hand to provide blood pressure checks, heart murmur assessments and expert consultations.

In addition to taking advantage of the community resources and education, more than 40 individuals participated in bloodwork screenings offered by LetsGetChecked, and 14 took part in free heart scans offered by Cleerly. Of those scanned, 33% revealed previously unknown ischemic heart disease, underscoring the importance of accessible, proactive screening.

“Improving heart health for all is at the heart of ACC’s Mission and ensuring equitable access to health care is not just something we talk about – it’s at the core of all that we do,” said ACC President Cathleen Biga, MSN, FACC. “Events like this are just one way we’re working to make sure everyone has access to the tools, care and support needed to live a heart-healthy life.”

The Community Health Fair stands as a powerful reminder that cardiovascular innovation and care must reach beyond the walls of convention centers and into the neighborhoods that need it most.

“This event is a special part of ACC’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the cities that host our Annual Scientific Session,” said ACC CEO Cathleen C. Gates. “Chicago has welcomed us with open arms, and we’re proud to be here, partnering with local organizations to give back in a meaningful way.”

Special thanks to Johnson & Johnson, Amgen and Cleerly for their support.

Keywords: Cardiology Magazine, ACC Publications, ACC25, ACC Annual Scientific Session