[Washington, DC - January 14, 2013] Health Volunteers Overseas is pleased to welcome the American College of Cardiology (ACC) as a new sponsor. ACC, a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards and guidelines, will provide essential support to HVO medicine and pediatric programs and impart opportunities to contribute to transforming global health through education to their vast membership.

"Our relationship with Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) will provide opportunities for our members to share their knowledge and experience with their counterparts around the world," said ACC President William A. Zoghbi, MD, FACC. "Sharing with local medical professionals who understand the culture and will remain in-country is the best way to have a lasting impact and to advance our mission to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health. The ACC's relationship with HVO can provide an enriching experience for members who volunteer as well as for the people whose lives they touch directly and indirectly through this program."

The World Health Organization has identified cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as the leading causes of death and disability globally. Due to a variety of factors, including the availability and quality of health care, CVDs disproportionately impact low- and middle-income countries, with over 80% of CVD deaths taking place in these countries.

"Cardiovascular diseases are a major global health concern and cardiovascular care needs to be a priority in health care education, particularly in developing countries," said Nancy Kelly, HVO Executive Director. "Partnering with ACC is a wonderful way to expand the engagement of the cardiovascular specialist community in global health care education. We are delighted to welcome them."

The mission of the American College of Cardiology is to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health. The College is a 40,000-member medical society comprised of physicians, surgeons, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists and practice managers. The College is a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The ACC provides professional education, operates national registries to measure and improve quality of care, disseminates cardiovascular research, and bestows credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who meet stringent qualifications. For more information, visit the ACC website.

A private, nonprofit organization, Health Volunteers Overseas has sought to improve global health through education of local health care providers since 1986. HVO designs and implements clinical and didactic education programs in child health, primary care, trauma and rehabilitation, essential surgical care, oral health, blood disorders and cancer, infectious disease, nursing education and wound management. In more than 25 resource-poor countries, HVO volunteers train, mentor, and provide critical professional support to health care providers who care for the neediest populations in the most difficult of circumstances. In 26 years of service, HVO's training has transformed lives - of local health care providers, of their colleagues and patients, and of HVO volunteers themselves. For more information, please visit the HVO website.