Several Atlanta-based organizations will be honored for their community-based health programs at an awards ceremony Thursday

The initiative is an effort between the BET Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to highlight the work of various organizations that focus on health programs and the treatment of African American women.

The groups to be recognized are: The Association of Black Cardiologists, Center for Black Women's Wellness Inc., Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute, SisterLove Inc. and Sisters Action Team Inc.

"These organization are on the front lines of the battle to reduce health disparities in their local communities, " BET Foundation Executive Director Sonya Lockett said in a press release.