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Healthcare Professionals and Community Leaders Can Help

Close the Gap

Close the Gap is an educational initiative developed by Boston Scientific and a team of physicians and healthcare professionals across the United States addressing the disparities in cardiovascular care for women, black Americans and Hispanic/Latino Americans.

Boston Scientific has brought physicians together with local community leaders such as corporate business leaders, athletic leaders, and religious leaders to discuss this issue. Together they are reaching members of their communities educating them about cardiovascular risk factors.

Learn more about the Close the Gap program »

Discussions about Disparities in Cardiovascular Care

The disparities are real and have been documented. Despite similar prevalence across racial/ethnic groups, women and people of color are treated at a lesser rate for cardiovascular disease than Caucasian men. And with the publication of several recent related studies, as well as the momentum of the Close the Gap educational initiative, disparities in care discussions have become more mainstream and more frequent.

While interest around cardiovascular treatment disparities is growing in the healthcare sector, the public sector is also taking note. Close the Gap continues to educate a variety of audiences about how race, ethnicity and gender can affect an individual's potential for developing heart disease and for receiving appropriate treatment for the disease. Close the Gap team members and volunteers have been actively educating and engaging audiences from across the country, talking with leaders in the corporate, government, athletic, and faith-based communities. 

How Can You Make a Difference?

• By joining Close the Gap, you can help reach out in effective ways to women, black Americans and Hispanic/Latino Americans to improve their knowledge of, and access to, advanced cardiovascular therapies. More high-risk cardiovascular patients in your area can be identified and helped as they become aware of their cardiovascular risk factors through community educational programs that you can help lead through the assistance of Close the Gap.
• By understanding cultural beliefs and barriers that people have to treatment, you can communicate more effectively on how current therapies can extend and improve their lives.
• By focusing on evidence-based medicine, you can help ensure that proven, effective cardiac therapies are being offered to all patients who need them.
• By partnering with Close the Gap, you can help save lives and improve the quality of life for all patient populations.

Download the Close the Gap brochure for detailed information.