Dr. Daphne Ferdinand is the Executive Director of the Healthy Heart Community Prevention Project (HHCPP), a non-profit corporation whose mission is to promote heart health and to eliminate disparities associated with CVD in vulnerable communities. Dr. Ferdinand has over 30 years of community service advocating for cardiovascular health with the provision of heart healthy educational programs in the greater New Orleans area. Her organization was a community site for the NHLBI We Can! Program, educating parents and caregivers about maintaining a healthy weight.
In addition, she serves as a member of the Association of Black Cardiologists’ Community Programs Committee, the American Heart Association Multicultural Initiatives Committee (local and S.E. Affiliate), the LSU Ag Center Leadership Advisory Council, and the LA CaTS Community Advisory Board. She is an advance master gardener with the LSU Ag Center poised to assist community based organizations with horticulture activities to promote the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Dr. Ferdinand has co-authored publications focusing on topics such as cardiovascular disparities, management of hypertension in diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, fast food consumption in the U.S., and community-based approaches to cardiovascular disease prevention.
Dr. Ferdinand received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Dillard University and Master of Nursing degree from LSU Health Science Center. She received her PhD in Nursing from Southern University and A & M College School of Nursing in Baton Rouge, LA. She is a community advocate who believes in “Helping People to Help Themselves”.