B. Waine Kong, PhD, JD CEO, Association of Black Cardiologists

Whether earning a graduate degree by attending classes at night while working a full-time day job, or changing the face of health care by organizing blood pressure clinics in dozens of Maryland churches, Dr. Waine Kong has quietly devoted his life to learning ways to improve the health of the African-American community. As chief executive officer of the Association of Black Cardiologists, Kong continues to work to increase the lifespan of black Americans, so that the multigenerational black community will include more and more grandparents and great-grandparents.

Q: How did the Association of Black Cardiologists become involved with the Community Health Initiative?
A: I met with [CEO] Readus Smith several times and he believes that I could make a contribution to the cause of improving the health status of the members of COGIC and other faith-based communities.

Q: How do the goals of the ABC align with what the Community Health Initiative is trying to accomplish?
A: Our goals line up perfectly. The mantra of the ABC is that children deserve to know their grandparents so they will become great-grandparents. Since cardiovascular disease kills 50 percent of our grandparents, the ABC is focused on promoting our seven steps to good health: Spirituality, Blood pressure control, Cholesterol control, Diabetes and weight control, Exercise and nutrition, Not smoking, Access to good health care and taking medication as prescribed. While [the Community Health Initiative] is more broadly defined, we are in this fight together.

Q: How will the contributions of the ABC help to further the goals of the Community Health Initiative?
A: Our scientists and physicians can contribute a great deal to the process.

Q: What is your opinion of the Community Health Initiative?
A: The Community Health Initiative is right on time. Our commitment to improve our lifestyles and get a piece of the pie while doing good is a marvelous initiative. The only way this important health improvement initiative can be sustained is to find a permanent way to finance it. [DrugPlace] and partners have found the way.

Q: How do you see the Community Health Initiative changing the face of healthcare in America?
A: According to Margaret Mead: Never underestimate what a dedicated group of people can accomplish. If fact, it is the only thing that has changed the world.



The Advisory Board of Community Health Initiative Services consists of 18 men and women from various backgrounds and professions who serve as resources, advisors and sounding boards for the chairman/chief executive officer and his executive staff. Board members agree to serve a two-year term that includes three advisory board meetings a year in Nashville, Tennessee.