(Chicago, IL) – The National Medical Association (NMA) is hosting their 123rd Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly from July 19 –23, 2025, at the Hilton Chicago (720 Michigan Avenue), bringing together African American physicians and health professionals to discuss advances in medical science, share health policy priorities, and unite for meaningful community impact.
As a kickoff to the NMA Conference, the Cook County Physicians Association (CCPA – local society of the National Medical Association) whose President is Dr. Erica Pugh Taylor, is sponsoring a Community Health Fair at Apostolic Faith Church (AFC) led by Bishop Horace E. Smith, MD on Friday, July 18th from 1p-4p located at 3823 S. Indiana Avenue, Chicago, IL. The Free Health Fair, organized by Dr. Javette Orgain, the 100th President of the NMA and past President of CCPA, will offer Health Screenings, Wellness Resources & Education, Family-Friendly Activities, Giveaways for the 1st 100 people, as well as the AFC Quarterly Blood Drive by the American Red Cross. Workshops on Stop the Bleed led by Dr. Michael McGee and Hands On Only CPR provided by the AFC Health Professions Ministry will be taught to Adults/Youth, as well as discussions on Safe Gun Storage. Gun Locks distribution will be provided to adults. Major partners in this effort include BCBSIL, Embark, GlomCon, Onyx Health Collective, CDOH Care Van, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, UI Health Mile Square Health Center, Near North Health, Vituity Cares Foundation, Chicago State University, Illinois College of Optometry, the Chicago Police Department, the Chicago Department of Public Health, All of Us Research, The Chicago Lighthouse and more.
At 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM, a press conference will be held to address both NMA’s and CCPA’s Commitment to Black Health, Diversity in Medicine, as well as the Epidemic of Violence in Black Communities. Participants include:
EMCEE (Iheart Darryl Denard)
Bishop Horace E. Smith, MD (Apostolic Faith Church)
Javette C. Orgain, MD, MPH (100th President NMA and Past President CCPA)
Michael A. McGee, MD, MPH, (Chair, NMA Council on Violence Prevention)
Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly
Erica Taylor, MD (President, CCPA)
Virginia A. Caine, MD (NMA President)
Senator Dick Durbin (Invited)
Ken Wilson, MD (UChicago Trauma Medical Director)
Chloe Gilder (Gunshot Victim Turned Premed Candidate)
Desiree Kettler (Operations Lead
Chicago Department of Public Health)
About the NMA:
The NMA is the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing African American physicians and health professionals in the U.S. and US territories. NMA promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African descent. We serve as a leading voice for parity in medicine, elimination of health disparities, and promotion of optimal health. The Cook County Physicians Association was founded in 1911 by Dr. George Cleveland Hall. The Chicago Public Library – George Cleveland Hall Branch is named in his honor.
