The population of CV patients is growing, and with it, the number of racial and ethnic minorities with CV disease. This compounds a well-documented problem in health care: racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes and care.  In response, the ACCF is participating in an effort to help form a coalition of national leading cardiovascular organizations, with the goal of aligning with others interested in the challenge of measurably reducing those disparities in the management of cardiovascular disease.

This effort in development is called CREDO: The Coalition to Reduce Racial & Ethnic Disparities in (CV) Outcomes would target health care professionals responsible for CV care with education tailored to their needs and designed to close persisting performance gaps. The goal for CREDO would also be to integrate quality improvement measures with education. CREDO would ideally reach across all specialties and research venues.

The ACCF is now working to recruit an advisory board comprised of experts in quality improvement, cultural competency and clinical science. We hope the CREDO advisory board can begin meeting early in 2009. This is an exciting step in the direction of expanded quality care, and we welcome your input.