Close the Gap is a Boston Scientific initiative designed to promote health equity by reducing barriers to cardiovascular care and education among women and minorities. We work with health care providers, professional societies and patient advocacy groups to ensure all patients can access optimal cardiac care regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity or language. We help close the gaps in heart health treatment by providing community and provider education, as well as, advocate for universal adherence to clinical guidelines.

Heart disease is the #1 killer in the United States. American Heart Association statistics show one person dies from a heart disease related event every minute. Many people believe that heart disease affects primarily older White men. This is far from the truth! Women and minorities are just as likely to have heart disease, yet are less likely to receive lifesaving treatments. African-Americans are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke than Whites. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, physical inactivity and obesity are also more common in African-Americans than Whites. Additionally, African-Americans are more likely to experience these complications at a younger age. This results in higher rates of hospitalization, early disability and premature death, all of which create economic and social stress for affected families and their communities. Even with insurance and the same social class, people of color often receive lower quality of care than their White counterparts.

Closing this gap requires a collaborative team devoted to the mission. Sam Conaway, SVP Sales & Program Chairman and Camille Chang Gilmore, VP HR & Chief Diversity Officer, created the Close the Gap mission and guide its program. National Director Mariana Rodrigues appreciates the link between Close the Gap and the Boston Scientific mission. “At Boston Scientific, we advance science for life. Through Close the Gap, we expand the reach of life transforming therapies to traditionally