MedStar Health Hosts Third Community Baby Shower and Resource Fair June 27

Event connects families with community resources and offers free giveaways.

CLINTON, Md.- Now in its third year, the MedStar Health Community Baby Shower and Resource Fair is growing alongside the families it serves, moving to a new location, adding vendors and giveaways, and celebrating the first anniversary of the PG Healthy Start program.

This year’s event will be held Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex in Landover, MD. Every family who attends will receive free diapers and wipes (while supplies last) and be entered into a variety of drawings for essential baby items such as car seats, pack-n-plays, strollers, and themed baskets. More than 40 community partners will be at the event to offer information to families and connect them with valuable community resources.

New this year, the "Dad Den" offers a dedicated space where fathers can connect with one another and find support. The area will also feature important health screenings, including blood pressure and glucose checks, as well as car seat safety inspections, and fresh produce giveaways.

"We are expanding this event to better meet the needs of those starting families in Prince George's County,” said Charmaine Ivey, director of Population and Community Health at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. “The resources offered here help address an important gap in our community—comprehensive care for pregnant women and their families that expands their access to prenatal care.”

In Prince George’s County, the maternal mortality rate is 50% higher than the national average and 40% above the average rate in Maryland. Hispanic mothers have the highest rate of pregnancy-related mortality in the county, and the county’s infant mortality rate also remains higher than the Maryland rate and is much higher for Black infants.

Last year’s event included the kickoff of the PG Healthy Start program. Supported by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the program expands access to comprehensive healthcare and education during pregnancy and for up to two years postpartum.

MedStar Health continues to partner with Clinton Baptist Church to host the event, which was previously held on the church campus.

"This is the largest event of its kind in Prince George's County, and we are honored to be at the heart of it," said Pastor Colin Pugh. "We are here to walk alongside these families, celebrate new life, and help our community build the healthiest, brightest future possible."

Families are encouraged to preregister for the event, but walk-ins are welcome.