2025 Report to the Community

Stories of our work in the community

Across Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area, MedStar Health collaborates with local communities to enhance healthcare access and offer educational resources. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of all residents by supporting our patients, their caregivers, and the broader community.

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  Breaking down legal barriers to healing.

  
  

  After returning home from chemotherapy, a MedStar Health patient discovered that her landlord had not paid the water bill and her service was about to be shut off. To keep the water running, the utility company told her she would need to pay the entire building’s bill. Meanwhile, her building was also in foreclosure. On top of undergoing cancer treatment, she suddenly faced the loss of stable housing.

  The MedStar Health Cancer Legal Assistance and Wellbeing (Cancer LAW) Project team intervened quickly to help her navigate the crisis. The attorneys helped the patient assert her rights and secure a settlement, enabling her to move into a new apartment, with the assistance of movers and funds to furnish her new home. What began as a housing crisis ended with housing stability—and a renewed focus on her recovery. 

  The Cancer LAW Project is a medical-legal partnership within the Georgetown University Health Justice Alliance, which places specialized attorneys within healthcare teams that serve patients and families at the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

  Launched in 2020, Cancer LAW provides no-cost legal services to help cancer patients resolve legal issues directly affecting their health, including unsafe housing, utility shutoffs, evictions, workplace accommodations, short-term disability and unemployment benefits, and access to public benefits. As part of the Cancer LAW Project, clinical staff are trained to recognize when a patient's needs—such as rushing to return to work to avoid being fired—signal a legal issue and refer them for assistance.

  "While a cancer diagnosis is typically a patient's top health priority, it often has to compete with other immediate, existential crises such as eviction notices, job loss, and food insecurity," explains Allison Dowling, medical-legal partnership director at the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. "When facing such competing priorities, it becomes profoundly difficult for a patient to focus on their cancer treatment."

  Building on the success of Cancer LAW, the Perinatal Legal Assistance & Wellbeing (P-LAW) Project was launched in 2021 to support pregnant and postpartum patients receiving care at MedStar Washington. P-LAW predominantly serves Black patients, who often experience higher rates of health complications, such as gestational diabetes, hypertension and preterm delivery. This work is especially urgent in D.C., where rates of maternal and infant death are among the highest in the nation, and the rate of infant mortality and stillborn deliveries to Black mothers is four times higher than that of white mothers.

  "It is a matter of health equity and justice," says S. Roxana "Roxy" Richardson, a P-LAW attorney. "Many negative maternal and infant health outcomes are linked to structural, social, and environmental variables, which are disproportionately experienced by historically marginalized communities."

  P-LAW attorneys collaborate with MedStar Washington’s Women's and Infants' Services (WIS) to identify patient needs during prenatal, third trimester, and postpartum visits. WIS connects patients with resources, such as Women, Infants & Children (WIC) benefits, transportation to medical visits, and support for substance use disorders, while P-LAW provides legal screening, advice, and representation to remove additional barriers to care.

  Cancer LAW and P-LAW build upon relationships between patients, providers, and social workers, creating a safe and trusted space that encourages patients to share underlying issues that may have potential legal implications. When legal challenges are addressed, patients often report decreased stress, improved ability to focus on care, and greater financial stability.

  "By reaching clients through existing trusted relationships with their healthcare providers, we can identify and address legal needs before they become crises," says Dowling.

  Ultimately, these partnerships ensure patients can direct their energy where it matters most—toward healing.

  

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  CPR and AED training empowers Montgomery County neighbors to save lives.

  
  

  When a medical emergency strikes, every second counts—and survival can depend on the people nearby. Take10 Montgomery is empowering Montgomery County residents to act, teaching lifesaving hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) skills in just 10 minutes.

  “About 70 to 80% of sudden cardiac arrests occur in or around the home, making this an inherent local issue,” says Lt. Irvin Smith, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) community action coordinator. “When community members are prepared to respond when one of their citizens experiences a sudden cardiac arrest, the results are profound. If CPR is given, that individual has a 10 to 12% greater survival rate.”

  The goal of Take10 Montgomery is simple: to make lifesaving education as accessible as possible. Training is offered year-round in both English and Spanish and can be brought directly into homes, schools, workplaces, community centers, or places of worship. Participants leave each session with skills—and materials—that allow them to share CPR basics with friends, family, and neighbors, extending the impact of these sessions long after a workshop concludes.

  Led by MCFRS, Take10 partners with MedStar Health, which provides public health expertise, community outreach, and vital connections to underserved populations. Through partnerships with organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha, a historically Black sorority founded at Howard University, the initiative reaches communities that have historically had limited access to health education.

  Nationally, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are less likely to receive bystander CPR, and these disparities in care translate directly to differences in survival rates. Take10 Montgomery is helping to close that gap—one community at a time.

  Momentum for the initiative grew after millions watched professional football player, Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin, collapse on national television from a cardiac arrest following a tackle—a stark reminder that emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere. In response, MedStar Health physicians helped expand community training efforts across Montgomery County, especially in underserved neighborhoods.

  The 2025 Take10 event marked the second year of this lifechanging initiative, bringing together MCFRS, MedStar Health, and community partners to train approximately 160 residents in a single, energizing day. Attendees heard from cardiac arrest survivors, received hands-on training and educational resources, and left confident to act in an emergency.

  Take10 Montgomery and related programs have trained more than 3,000 residents in 2025. This progress moves the county closer to its goal of earning the HEARTSafe Community designation, which requires training at least 15% of the population and improving access to AEDs and emergency response systems.

  “In those critical first few minutes, you have the power to keep a heart beating,” says Marianne Worley, Vice President of Public Relations and Communications for MedStar Health, who helps coordinate the partnership. “That’s what MedStar Health’s mission is all about—advancing health and helping communities thrive.”

  

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  Free prostate screenings save lives in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

  
  

  When MedStar Health community health advocate, Carol Pyle encouraged her husband, George, to attend a free annual prostate screening event at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, he was hesitant. That visit, however, changed his life.

  "[The examining physician] did the exam and said he 'felt something 'and suggested George follow up with a urologist,” Carol recalls.  A follow-up biopsy confirmed the diagnosis: George had prostate cancer.

  George began radiation and hormonal therapy immediately. Thanks to early detection, he recovered and has been cancer-free for six years.

  "I am grateful to be diagnosed early,” says George. "As a retired nurse, I'm aware that without this early diagnosis, the cancer could have metastasized to other parts of my body."

  Stories like George's illustrate a critical truth: one screening can save a life. That is why national guidelines emphasize the importance of early detection—the American Cancer Society recommends screening for men over 50 with a digital rectal exam. For Black men or men with a family history of prostate cancer, screenings should start at age 40.

  Prostate cancer disproportionately impacts Black men in Prince George’s County, who face nearly 40% higher diagnosis rates and 80% higher mortality than the U.S. average. Still, many remain hesitant to be screened.

  "Black men often face a combination of challenges, including fear or mistrust of the healthcare system, lack of access to care, limited awareness of personal risk, and stigma or discomfort surrounding the exam," says Jessica Gamero, community health program manager at MedStar Southern Maryland.

  To reduce barriers and improve early detection, MedStar Health has offered free community prostate screenings for many years. Since 2021, these events have been integrated into Senior Health and Wellness Day, a resource fair held by Community Health at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center and Clinton Baptist Church. This long-standing partnership ensures broad community access. For many attendees, these events represent their first prostate screening—and often their first engagement with preventive health care.

  Community health advocates conduct direct outreach in neighborhood hubs, including recreation and senior centers, to ensure residents, especially those who do not regularly access care, know the event is free, confidential and open to all—no health insurance required.

  At the most recent event hosted at Clinton Baptist Church in partnership with MedStar Southern Maryland, clinicians screened 16 men.

  "It's a blessing that we're able to encourage and invite the older men who have never had the opportunity to get their prostate checked," says Pastor Colin Pugh II, senior pastor at Clinton Baptist Church. "I'm thankful this partnership allows it to be done in a way that's inviting, encouraging and safe."

  "By hosting screenings in trusted community settings—like churches, barbershops and community centers—we make the process approachable and empowering," Gamero explains, noting that these familiar spaces allow men to have open conversations about health with peers and providers.

  Chiledum Ahaghotu, MD, vice president, Medical Affairs, MedStar Southern Maryland, and a board-certified urologist, provides the screenings. After the exam, he discusses the next steps and warning signs with each participant. He carefully reviews the results and provides personalized letters with recommendations. When follow-up care is needed, community health advocates assist with referrals and help ensure continuity of care.

  Participants frequently share that the process is easier and more comfortable than expected. Many express appreciation for the supportive environment and the chance to participate alongside friends—an experience that often inspires continued engagement in preventive care.

  "We view these screenings as part of a larger commitment to preventive care, community trust and compassion in action," Gamero reflects.

  

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  Medicine in motion: The KIDS Mobile Clinic.

  
  

  Every morning at Union Station, a MedStar Health driver begins a daily ritual: checking and preparing two specially equipped vehicles for a day of pediatric care in Wards 6 and 7. These are not ambulances—they are full-service medical clinics on wheels, bringing healthcare directly to Washington, D.C. families for more than three decades.

  Founded in 1992 to address gaps in healthcare access, the KIDS Mobile Medical Clinic (KMMC) has evolved into a multigenerational partnership with D.C.'s most underserved communities. Families in these areas experience significant health disparities, including infant mortality, asthma, mental health challenges, and developmental concerns. KMMC tackles these issues through consistent, accessible care. Throughout the past two years, the clinic has provided more than 1,160 visits to 635 unique patients.

  "We are in the second and third generations in some families because of the relationships and trust we've built with the communities we serve,” says Janine Rethy, MD, medical director of the mobile clinic. After 33 years, word of mouth remains the program's most powerful recruitment tool—a testament to the trust built one visit at a time.

  KMMC operates two mobile clinics. The primary unit offers a comprehensive range of pediatric care services, including routine checkups and sick visits. The Wellbeing Unit houses an expanding array of specialized services, including the new Healthy Futures Clinic, which focuses on adolescent healthcare and provides targeted support for pregnant and parenting teens.

  “We go to the same sites every week, so families know where to find us when they need us,” explains Dr. Rethy. The mobile clinics are strategically and thoughtfully positioned near where families gather, such as affordable housing communities, recreation centers, and faith-based institutions—so care remains easily accessible to those who need it most.

  What sets KMMC apart is its comprehensive, patient-centered model. Before each visit, parents complete electronic questionnaires about social needs and their child's development. During morning huddles, the interdisciplinary team—including providers, nurses, family services coordinators, and others—reviews these responses to develop individualized care plans.

  Visits often take longer than those at traditional clinics, because the team takes the time necessary to address each family's unique concerns and needs. Throughout the day, a back-office team manages calls for sick triage, paperwork, and other needs, relaying messages to the van associates for follow-up care. This level of attention helps ensure families feel supported and heard.

  As a recognized HealthySteps site, the clinic serves as a hub for holistic family care from birth to age 3. In addition to pediatric visits, parents can access financial coaching through a Medical Financial Partnership with Georgetown Law, healthy housing support, and help navigating D.C.'s mental health infrastructure. Through the clinic’s ProduceRx program, families receive fresh produce. The clinic also connects food-insecure families to food assistance programs through partnerships with organizations like Dreaming Out Loud and Fresh Farms.

  Social-emotional and developmental wellbeing are just as central to the clinic’s mission. A clinical social worker provides short-term counseling, while a part-time licensed marriage and family therapist offers individual and family therapy for patients or caregivers. When more intensive care is required, the team works with families to identify appropriate community resources.  To encourage early literacy and play-based learning, families also receive free books through Reach Out and Read and LEGO® sets through Rx4Play.

  Looking ahead to 2026, the team plans to expand its Prenatal Pediatric Visit program to support expecting parents in their third trimester, ensuring smooth transitions to newborn care.

  “Mobile clinics bring high-quality, comprehensive services directly into the community, meeting families where they are,” says Dr. Rethy. “Beyond convenience, these clinics build trust. Families see familiar faces and experience care that feels personal and consistent. Over time, that trust leads to stronger relationships, better follow-up, and improved health outcomes.”

  The clinic’s programs have gained national recognition. Its asthma screening program was recently highlighted at the American Academy of Pediatrics meeting for demonstrating how targeted community-based interventions can identify undiagnosed conditions in high-prevalence areas. 

  

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  Breaking down barriers to breast and cervical cancer screening for women in Baltimore City.

  
  

  Early detection saves lives, but for many women in Baltimore City, getting screened for breast and cervical cancer is far from simple. Insurance limitations, transportation challenges, language barriers, financial strain—or simply not knowing where to start— often stand between women and the preventive care they need.

  For more than two decades, MedStar Health has expanded access to lifesaving cancer screenings through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. Through the program, funded by the State of Maryland and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MedStar Harbor Hospital provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to uninsured and underinsured women in Baltimore City and the surrounding region.

  “We serve a very vulnerable patient population. Many of our patients are uninsured with limited health literacy,” explains Nakia Steen, clinical coordinator for our Breast and Cervical Cancer program at MedStar Harbor Hospital. “Without programs like ours, many individuals would not receive the essential services needed for early detection or prevention.”

  Women learn about the program from MedStar Health caregivers, through Federally Qualified Health Centers, by contacting the program directly, or through the Maryland Department of Health website. Once someone reaches out, staff determine eligibility based on state-specific income and insurance requirements, schedule appointments, arrange transportation, and guide participants through the health system. Women aged 40-64 can access breast cancer screenings, while those aged 21-64 qualify for cervical cancer screenings.

  "Our goal is to identify cancers at an early stage; delays often result in diagnosis at later, more advanced stages," says Steen. For that reason, timing matters. MedStar Health typically schedules appointments within two to three weeks of enrollment, with emergency appointments typically arranged within the same week.

  When screening results indicate the need for follow-up, the program schedules the recommended diagnostics. These follow-up services are fully covered by the program—preventing surprise bills and difficult choices between health and financial stability.

  "Through this program, we've been able to identify cancers that otherwise would have gone undiagnosed, allowing patients to receive timely treatment and significantly improve their outcomes," says Steen.

  Since 2025, the program has served more than 1,500 women. The numbers tell an important story: On average, approximately 10% of women screened through the program are asked to return for additional follow-up or biopsies related to their breast screening, while 5% require follow-up for cervical screenings.

  Each woman connected to the program represents a crucial screening that might not have happened otherwise—and potentially a cancer caught early, and a life saved. By empowering women with timely information, reliable access, and coordinated support, the program is building a healthier community.

  

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  Community baby showers give expecting parents a healthy start.

  
  

  When a first-time mother lost her job, she was anxious and unsure how she would provide for her baby. But after spending a couple of hours at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center’s Community Baby Shower event last year, she left with a car seat, diapers, connections to community resources, and a renewed sense of confidence.

  “She later said she felt ‘seen, supported, and ready to be a mom,’” recalls Charmaine Ivey, director of population and community health, who leads the Community Baby Shower program with MedStar Southern Maryland.

  The experience captures the heart of MedStar Health’s Community Baby Showers: removing barriers and creating welcoming spaces where expecting parents can access resources, education and support. The program now spans two Medstar Health hospitals—MedStar Southern Maryland and MedStar Washington Hospital Center—each tailoring events to meet local needs.

  Since the program’s launch in May 2023, MedStar Southern Maryland has hosted two major baby showers, each welcoming more than 500 attendees representing over 250 families. In April 2025, MedStar Health expanded this offer to the Washington, D.C., region, drawing about 100 attendees by meeting families where they are, often at local churches. Community Baby Showers help address challenges such as childcare, financial constraints, limited awareness, and language barriers. In these trusted, stigma-free spaces, parents can access care, connect with others and focus on their new babies.

  “Especially for younger moms and single parents, stigma keeps people away from getting services—from accessing healthcare to food resources. The baby showers give us a chance to go out and say, ‘We want you here. You are welcome,” says Veronica Urquilla, community health program manager, MedStar Washington.

  Each family leaves with essentials like diapers and car seats—some won through raffles—and connections to additional support.  MedStar Health Departments donate supplies, while church partners collaborate with the Women, Infants and Children program, better known as WIC, and the Department of Health, to provide health education, including breastfeeding support. Similarly, MedStar Southern Maryland provides essential supplies with funding from the Healthy Start Grant and through partnerships with organizations like the Greater D.C. Diaper Bank. Parents meet others navigating similar experiences, exchanging tips and encouragement that foster a sense of belonging.

  At the events, families also meet with Community Health Advocates (CHAs), who provide blood pressure checks, postpartum depression screenings, and lactation consultations. Certified nurse midwives and pediatricians answer questions during “Ask the Midwife” and “Ask the Pediatrician” sessions, and the Teen Alliance for Prepared Planning (TAPP) program and other partner organizations offer resources for young parents. CHAs also link families to health centers, obstetric-gynecology (OB/GYN) clinics, and prenatal care providers, even scheduling appointments for those without a provider.

  “I am a Washingtonian, so I was raised on some of the same programs,” says Mia Afowerk, a lead CHA with MedStar Health. “When I work with people, I try to understand where they are. I try to build their confidence.” She reflects that, for families in survival mode, “It is important for someone to listen, say ‘I hear you, and this is what you can do,’ not just pass them off.”

  These connections extend far beyond the event. CHAs provide ongoing support for up to 18 months, offering diaper distributions, home visits, and referrals that support both physical and emotional health.

  Given the success, MedStar Health is investing in program expansion. In 2026, MedStar Southern Maryland plans to add ongoing initiatives including hosting breakout education sessions, increasing fatherhood engagement, and launching smaller “pop-up” baby showers across our communities.

  “This program has evolved into a true movement of connection and empowerment,” Ivey says. “What started as one event is now a signature initiative that reflects MedStar Health’s mission to uplift community health.”

  

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  Delivering whole-person care and resources to Ward 7 residents.

  
  

  A frustrated Medicaid participant walked through the doors of the MedStar Family Choice Community Wellness Center in Washington, D.C., seeking help with the online patient portal. Three hours later, she left with connections to case management services, access to her health records and a renewed sense of hope.

  “When she arrived, she felt overwhelmed and unsure where to turn,” says Xavier Russell, associate vice president of growth and member experience at MedStar Family Choice, who assisted her during the visit. “By the time she left, she had answers, support and a plan. She told us she finally felt seen and supported—and that’s exactly why this center exists.”

  Her experience captures what Jocelyn Chisholm Carter, president of MedStar Family Choice, envisioned when planning to open the Community Wellness Center’s doors in 2025: a welcoming neighborhood hub where D.C. residents enrolled in Medicaid can access support for their health and wellbeing.

  Located in Ward 7, east of the Anacostia River, the Community Wellness Center serves Medicaid-eligible individuals participating in D.C. Healthy Families or D.C. Healthcare Alliance programs. Before the center opened, many Medicaid participants had to travel outside their neighborhoods for care. With services now closer to home, the center reduces transportation barriers and fosters stronger connections within a community that has historically experienced limited access.

  The Community Wellness Center takes a holistic approach to health, recognizing it extends beyond the doctor's office. Eligible participants join fitness classes, cooking and nutrition workshops, diabetes management programs, smoking cessation support, and more. The center engages younger participants in hands-on programming that fosters healthy habits and practical skills, such as food safety, healthy meal preparation, and career exploration. Free on-site internet access gives participants the tools they need to find information, connect with services and stay informed.

  Equally important is the center’s focus on social factors that shape health. Outreach coordinators, case managers and social workers provide in-person support to help participants navigate housing resources, legal assistance, financial literacy classes, and parenting support groups. Food and housing insecurities are the most common challenges faced by individuals who visit the center.

  "Our Wellness Center allows participants to benefit from practical, skills-based workshops that not only teach, but also connect them to resources," says Russell. "We combine health education with financial and social support, so the center can address both medical and social needs."

  Partnerships with local organizations—such as United Planning Organization, the Places of Worship Advisory Board, AppleTree Kids Corner, and the East of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative, Inc.—have expanded the center's reach and programming. Events include maternal health programs, men's health initiatives and community resource roundtables. Participants also learn about the center through partner organizations, along with local publications, social media, and targeted text messages. In 2025, the center welcomed more than 350 participants for various programs, activities and resources.

  The coming year promises even more opportunities at the Community Wellness Center. Plans include youth wellness camps and intergenerational programs connecting seniors with families. The center also plans to offer expanded workshops focused on hypertension, asthma management and healthy aging.

  Starting in 2026, MedStar Family Choice will launch the Healthy D.C. plan to serve residents who may not qualify for Medicaid due to their income. The center aims to grow as a vital community resource for an even broader population of D.C. residents.

  “This center was designed to support the whole person,” says Jocelyn Chisholm Carter, president of MedStar Family Choice. “By offering guidance, resources and a sense of connection, we’re helping residents take charge of their health and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.”

  

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  Leveling the playing field to keep Baltimore's young athletes in the game.

  
  

  For many young athletes across Baltimore, the biggest obstacle to playing sports is not making the team—it is getting a required sports physical before they can play.

  Without that clearance, students cannot step onto the field, regardless of passion or talent.  For many families in Baltimore City and County, the cost of a physical—which can typically range from $50 to $100 with insurance—can keep kids on the sidelines.

  "When the cost of a physical keeps a kid from playing, they don’t have the chance to experience everything sports have to offer—the physical activity, team building, sense of belonging, and life skills,” explains Sean Huffman, vice president of Sports Medicine at MedStar Health. “Project Rampart removes that barrier completely.”

  Launched in 2023, Project Rampart began when Under Armour approached MedStar Health with a vision: to ensure every student athlete in Baltimore has access to the care they need.

  What started as a simple idea evolved into a citywide collaboration. Under Armour, MedStar Health, and other community partners are dedicated to making sports participation accessible and equitable for all. Each summer before the school year begins, the team hosts a large-scale event offering free sports physicals and health resources for Baltimore City and County students.

  Project Rampart goes beyond providing physicals—it connects families to care. At each event, MedStar Health providers and associates offer exams and screenings. They also share health education and connect families with information on nutrition, injury prevention, and local resources to support their ongoing wellness. It brings care closer to home whenever possible, eliminating transportation barriers that might otherwise prevent young athletes from getting the follow-up care they need.

  The impact has been substantial. At the most recent event at the Under Armour Global Headquarters, Project Rampart served more than 800 students.  Sometimes, these visits lead to lifesaving discoveries.

  “These events always save a few lives,” says Huffman. “You find a heart murmur, a lump, a tumor. You find something that may have never been found.”

  By eliminating the cost of sports physicals and offering comprehensive health support, Project Rampart ensures that talent, hard work, and determination—not family income—determine who gets to play. The partnership between MedStar Health and Under Armour exemplifies what’s possible when healthcare organizations and local partners collaborate and invest in their communities.

  Now entering its third year, Project Rampart is laying the groundwork for expansion in 2026. For hundreds of young athletes across Baltimore, that access means more than a cleared form—it means the chance to stay healthy, connected, and in the game. 

  

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