---
title: CKM Health Collaborative
image: https://info.nmqf.org/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-04-23%20at%206.55.02%20AM-1.png
---

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## CKM Health Collaborative

## OUR MISSION

Reduce disparities in cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health among underrepresented and underserved populations.

Our core values are evidence-based solutions, community engagement, advocacy, and health equity.

![Screenshot 2025-04-23 at 6.55.02 AM](https://info.nmqf.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-04-23%20at%206.55.02%20AM.png?width=1770&height=1002&name=Screenshot%202025-04-23%20at%206.55.02%20AM.png) <https://info.nmqf.org/hubfs/ckm_vide.mp4?hsLang=en>

# Proposed Implementation Timeline

![ckmhc_timeline_final](https://info.nmqf.org/hubfs/ckmhc_timeline_final.png "ckmhc_timeline_final")

#### Goals for 2025

![Firefly CREATE IMAGE OF CARDIO KIDNEY METABOLIC DISEASE OF PATIENT AFRO AMERICAN STUDIO ON RIGHT SID (3)](https://info.nmqf.org/hubfs/Firefly%20CREATE%20IMAGE%20OF%20CARDIO%20KIDNEY%20METABOLIC%20DISEASE%20OF%20PATIENT%20AFRO%20AMERICAN%20STUDIO%20ON%20RIGHT%20SID%20(3).png)

##### Research & Innovation

Support new insights & interventions for healthcare

**Reduce prevalence**

Lower CKMD incidence in Black & Hispanic communities

##### Improve access to care through advocacy

Equitable prevention, diagnosis, and treatment via education to policymakers

**Promote health equity**

Identify and address social drivers & reduce systemic barriers

**Community engagement**

Educate and empower communities using trusted voices

![Slower_CHOICES-Severe-Obesity-Prevalence-Map-Single-Years](https://info.nmqf.org/hubfs/Slower_CHOICES-Severe-Obesity-Prevalence-Map-Single-Years.gif "Slower_CHOICES-Severe-Obesity-Prevalence-Map-Single-Years")

# Shared risk factors compound the impact of CKMD

![info_ckm](https://info.nmqf.org/hubfs/info_ckm.png "info_ckm")

## CKM Health Collaborative

## **About Us **

The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) and the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) are excited to announce the launch of the CKM Health Collaborative.

We leverage the combined expertise of both organizations and their longstanding commitment to improving health. Ourmissionis to collaboratively reduce disparities in cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health among minoritized populations by implementing innovative, evidence-based solutions that promote optimal care and advance health.

![abc_img](https://info.nmqf.org/hs-fs/hubfs/abc_img.png?width=1920&height=1080&name=abc_img.png)

# CKM Health Collaborative Leads

![kalelai](https://info.nmqf.org/hubfs/kalelai.png)

##### [Kelelaye Emiru, MBA](https://blog.hubspot.com/)

 Vice President, Center for Professional and Strategic Alliances | National Minority Quality Forum

![akeia](https://info.nmqf.org/hubfs/akeia.png)

##### Akeia Blue, MPH, MS

 President, Center for Health Care Quality & Equity, National Minority Quality Forum

![michael-1](https://info.nmqf.org/hubfs/michael-1.png)

##### [Michael DeSalvo Solarte, MSW](https://blog.hubspot.com/)

 Program Manager, Center for Professional and Strategic Alliances | National Minority Quality Forum

![underwood](https://info.nmqf.org/hubfs/underwood.png)

##### Paul Underwood, MD

 Interventional Cardiologist;Board Chair, Association of Black Cardiologists

![cassandra](https://info.nmqf.org/hubfs/cassandra.png)

##### Cassandra McCullough, MBA

 Chief Executive Officer, Association of Black Cardiologists

![AE44372C-47E7-4FD9-9E46-504B1E8FEC48](https://info.nmqf.org/hubfs/AE44372C-47E7-4FD9-9E46-504B1E8FEC48.jpg)

##### Levather Neicey Johnson, BSN, RN, JD

 SVP, Research & Global Health Strategies, Association of Black Cardiologists

![Firefly CREATE IMAGE OF CARDIO KIDNEY METABOLIC DISEASE OF PATIENT AFRO AMERICAN STUDIO ON RIGHT SID (4)](https://info.nmqf.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Firefly%20CREATE%20IMAGE%20OF%20CARDIO%20KIDNEY%20METABOLIC%20DISEASE%20OF%20PATIENT%20AFRO%20AMERICAN%20STUDIO%20ON%20RIGHT%20SID%20(4).jpg?width=2000&height=1142&name=Firefly%20CREATE%20IMAGE%20OF%20CARDIO%20KIDNEY%20METABOLIC%20DISEASE%20OF%20PATIENT%20AFRO%20AMERICAN%20STUDIO%20ON%20RIGHT%20SID%20(4).jpg "Firefly CREATE IMAGE OF CARDIO KIDNEY METABOLIC DISEASE OF PATIENT AFRO AMERICAN STUDIO ON RIGHT SID (4)")

 

**CKM HEALTH COLLABORATIVE**

## **LEARN MORE ABOUT US**

Ready to make a difference in cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health? Contact us today by completing our discovery form and connect with the CKM Health Collaborative team!

 

 

### Let's Discuss CKM: Complete our Discovery Form to Schedule a Call

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Founded in 1998, National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) is the largest health equity research, education and advocacy organization whose mission is to reduce patient risk and advance health equity by assuring optimal care for all.

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###### Get In Touch

[(202) 223-7560](https://www.google.com/search?q=nmqf+number&rlz=1C5OZZY_enUS1146US1149&oq=nmqf+number&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRigAdIBCDE5MjBqMGo3qAIIsAIB8QWIQ8wh2Iy_LA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#)

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