Montgomery County marks 12th AHP Community Day; leaders proclaim May 30 as AHP Community Day

Montgomery County elected officials, community health leaders and hundreds of attendees gathered May 30, 2026, for the 12th annual African‑American Health Program (AHP) Community Day, where organizers offered screenings, wellness activities and a county proclamation recognizing the day.

The County Council’s proclamation, presented by Council President Natalie F. Gonzalez and County Executive Mark Elrich, commended AHP’s work on maternal and infant health, HIV/AIDS, cancer prevention, diabetes and mental‑health awareness and proclaimed May 30, 2026, as AHP Community Day in Montgomery County. The proclamation emphasized the county’s stated commitment to advancing health equity and expanding investments in public health.

Speakers urged both personal prevention and structural change. State Delegate Charlotte Crutchfield, who represents District 19, framed the event with a three‑part charge — “educate, advocate and motivate” — and urged attendees to use screenings and learn to read their own blood‑pressure and other health numbers. County Executive Mark Elrich recounted his own diabetes diagnosis and said his budgets have deliberately increased funding for health and human services to sustain programs that serve residents’ needs.

Several officials shared personal stories underscoring screening impact. State Delegate Gregory Whims said an AHP PSA screening years ago found early‑stage prostate cancer and credited that outreach with saving his life. Council members Laurian Sales, Will Jawando, Shebra/Sheba Evans and Kate Stewart urged attendees to use the day’s resources, bring younger people to prevention efforts and recognize health as intertwined with housing, food access and economic opportunity.

Organizers and program staff described AHP services on offer. Jacqueline Williams, co‑chair of the AHP Executive Committee, listed programs including prenatal and postpartum supports (the SMILE program), two diabetes initiatives (a CDC‑certified diabetes‑prevention program and a diabetes self‑management track), nutrition and exercise classes, mental‑health screening and referrals, and assistance with transportation and food resources. Williams said the diabetes prevention program has already helped five participants revert from pre‑diabetes to normal blood‑sugar levels in 2026.

AHP program manager Wana Dixon and CEO George McFarland invited attendees to biometric screenings on site (blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI) and to meet partners across floors for workshops, candidate meet‑and‑greets and family activities. Organizers also noted voter‑registration tables on the second floor and encouraged civic participation as part of community health.

Keynote speaker Frederick Hawkins, the county’s African‑American community liaison, said Black health in 2026 “is a total condition of Black life,” arguing that health must be treated as medical, civic, emotional and communal. Hawkins urged support for institutions such as AHP, recommended routine screenings and encouraged community connections: “Contact your primary care physician. Get your checkup. Tell your friend or your family your health journey,” he said.

The program combined cultural performance, public‑health services and remarks from community leaders. Organizers urged attendees to take home what they learned, bring younger people to prevention programs and use AHP’s resources year‑round. The event continued with workshops, chair yoga and other activities after the speeches concluded.

For next steps, organizers directed participants to on‑site sign‑up tables for diabetes programs, maternal supports, and voter registration, and encouraged attendees to follow up with primary‑care providers. The proclamation and the event reflect the county and AHP’s ongoing emphasis on health equity and community‑based prevention.