-  AUGUST 2016  -
Community Health Workers Present at the Unity Conference in Atlanta

The GW Heart & Vascular Institute supports community health workers (CHWs) in Washington, DC, to monitor patients with chronic diseases to improve quality of life and reduce hospitalizations. This July the Institute sent three of our community health workers to the 14th Annual Unity Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Sponsored by the University of Southern Mississippi, this year's conference focused on the role of CHWs in promoting healthy communities. Our CHWs presented three abstracts highlighting our GW team approach to improve self-management skills for patients with heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes.
Metzger Leading Nutrition Education Programs in Ward 8's Largest Health Facility


The GW  Heart & Vascular Institute supports a registered dietician, Kelli Metzger, who provides free heart-healthy nutrition education sessions at community health clinics in Washington, DC. Most recently, Metzger partnered with AmeriHealth's clinic at the Conway Health and Resource Center in Ward 8, to lead their Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program's monthly nutrition workshops. This Center is the largest healthcare facility in Ward 8.  Metzger's nutrition workshops at community clinics have served more than 500 patients since 2013.

Mercader and Gibreal Volunteer at Southeast Community Health Fair

Dr. Marco Mercader and cardiology fellow, Dr. Mohammed Gibreal volunteered at the Temple of Praise Health and Nutrition Fair in the Anacostia neighborhood in Washington, DC on August 20th. Mercader and Gibreal gave a 45 minute health workshop presentation to participants, checked blood pressures, and consulted on results. The health fair also provided food demonstrations and distributed fresh vegetables to participants.


Katzen Foundation Donates $25,000 to the Institute's Young Investigator's Award

The Dr. Cyrus Katzen Foundation has been an annual supporter of cardiovascular research initiatives at the GW Heart & Vascular Institute. With these funds, the Institute provides annual research awards to young cardiology faculty and fellows-in-training as seed money to initiate their research. These grants allow researchers to produce initial data with which they can apply for other competitive grants for further investigation and project expansion. The Institute is grateful to the Dr. Cyrus Katzen Foundation for its continued support.