2026 Caribbean Canada Heart Health Education Heart Health Symposium

On July 10, 2026, the newly formed Manitoba ACS Network Community Outreach Committee participated in the Caribbean Canada Heart Health Education Heart Health Symposium, marking one of the committee's first community engagement initiatives. Committee members hosted interactive educational booths that provided hands-on activities and evidence-based information on heart health, heart attack awareness, cardiovascular risk reduction, and healthy lifestyle practices. Through meaningful conversations with attendees, the committee promoted heart health education, encouraged community involvement, and demonstrated its commitment to improving cardiovascular awareness across Manitoba.

“Participating in this event was especially meaningful because it gave me the opportunity to give back to a community that played such an important role in my own development. Growing up, I spent countless hours playing sports and working with many of the same families and community members who were present. Through sport, I learned lessons that extended far beyond the field—discipline, teamwork, leadership, and the importance of living an active lifestyle. These experiences continue to influence me in medicine and beyond. 

Holding the event at my former high school made the experience even more special. The teachers, coaches, mentors, and broader community all played a role in helping me grow and encouraging me to pursue opportunities that eventually led me to medicine. Returning to that familiar setting as a resident physician and volunteer, with the opportunity to promote cardiovascular health was incredibly rewarding.”

- Jay Punj, Committee member