The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) is partnering with Pop-Up in the Park this weekend to offer free, comprehensive heart health screenings as part of a weekend of music, culture, and community celebration.

The heart health events are hosted by the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation, which has the mission of helping prevent heart related fatalities in communities across the nation by providing the resources to educate people in the various aspects of heart health.

The weekend kicks off at Huntington Convention Center in Room 007 on Friday, Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., then the Care Access Van will be out an about on Saturday, Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 31 the Pop-Up in the Park event will be on Mall C (Strawbridge Plaza) on Lakeside Avenue,

Dr. Lee Kirksey, Cleveland Clinic vascular surgeonCleveland Clinic vascular surgeon Dr. Lee Kirksey will provide expert commentary and interact with participants. He emphasizes the importance of paying attention to cardiac health and warning signs.

“We encourage all Clevelanders to ‘know your numbers’—including cholesterol, renal function, and blood pressure to help identify cardiovascular risk factors,” Dr. Kirksey explains. “This year, we are pleased to collaborate with The Association of Black Cardiologists who are providing three full days of free heart risk screening evaluations.”

Kirksey adds that more than 400 people have already registered to participate in the heart health events this weekend.

“Everyone has been personally impacted by cardiovascular disease occurring in family and friends,” he says, “and it is my personal mission to do all that I am capable of to make a meaningful impact across our community.”

Along with Kirksey, screening professionals will conduct heart screenings like blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and Lp(a). ABC leaders will be available to talk about ABC’s mission and the importance of advancing health equity.

The partnership highlights health equity in action—reaching people where they live, gather, and celebrate. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for African Americans and screenings provide vital preventive care at no cost, lowering barriers to access.

ABC’s initiative demonstrates how cultural events can be leveraged for public health impact. As participants attend to their health, the organizers also invite guests to unwind with an ultimate R&B experience on Mall C with Dru Hill, Adina Howard, and Carl Thomas.

Heart Health screening tentTickets for the musical performances are $44.52 for a Community Access Ticket, $65.87 for a Happy Heart Ticket, and $108.55 for a VIP front of stage ticket. Heart health screenings are free.

Kirksey says the ABC’s Pop-Up in the Park weekend is a worthwhile experience.

“The Pop Up in the Park unites the shared goal of The Cleveland Clinic and The Make Them Know Your Name Foundation to educate and empower the Cleveland community on healthful behaviors that reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, the number one cause of death in America,” he explains. “Research shows that more than 50% of individual health is determined by what occurs before a person ever enters a doctor’s office or hospital.

“The festival event fulfills the important mission of engaging the community outside the walls of the hospital or doctor's office, Kirksey continues. “Informed individuals, adolescents, or adults of any age, are able to make better daily choices to reduce the devastating impact of cardiovascular disease.”