“Four the Health of It”
Community Health Fair Brought Vital Pediatric Services To District Four In Prince George’s County
MAIN LEAD PHOTO (L-R): CHILDREN’S NATIONAL HOSPITAL COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DESIREE DELA TORRE AND DISTRICT FOUR COUNTY COUNCILMEMBER INGRID WATSON
With the health and wellness of Prince George’s County youth in mind, District 4 Council Member Ingrid S. Watson teamed with Children’s National Hospital to host a free community health fair on Saturday, June 21. Entitled “Four the Health of It,” the event took place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Franklin Park Community Center, located in Greenbelt and drew dozens of families and residents.
Prince George’s County Councilmember Ingrid S. Watson
The health fair was designed to empower families by providing access to crucial pediatric health services and wellness education in a fun, community-oriented setting. Prince George’s County is home to 40% of Children’s National’s Maryland-based patients, underscoring the critical need for accessible and localized pediatric care.
“Nearly 40% of all our Maryland patients come from this county, which made last week’s gathering even more meaningful, said Children’s National Hospital Community and Government Affairs Executive Director Desiree DeLa Torre.
“This event [was] not just about offering free screenings or handing out resources—it [was] about creating a culture of health literacy and wellness for every family,” said Council Member Watson. “By partnering with Children’s National and other health care leaders, we are helping to bridge gaps in access and ensuring our community can thrive.”
Attendees were given access to a variety of free services and resources, including vaccinations for children, health screenings, dental care information, cooking demonstrations, and employment support. The family-friendly atmosphere featured food, giveaways, prizes, and children’s activities aimed at making wellness education accessible and engaging. Participating organizations that donated their time and talents included the Greenbelt S.I.T.Y. Stars, a county-based dance and double-dutch company. Also, members of the Washington Commanders Cheerleading team, an inflatable moon bounce room and football toss, food trucks, face painting and more. Employ Prince George’s was on site as well.
The event was part of Council Member Watson’s broader initiative to promote health equity and education in her district. By removing financial and logistical barriers, “Four the Health of It” aims to make preventive care and health resources more reachable for all families in the region.
Children’s National Hospital, a nationally ranked pediatric institution, has significantly expanded its presence in the county through its outpatient specialty care center at Woodmore Town Center. The facility offers over 20 pediatric specialty services, along with an on-site lab, ambulatory surgery center, and advanced imaging technology. The center represents a major commitment to bringing world-class care directly to the communities that need it most.
“Our outpatient center in Prince George’s County reflects our mission to ensure that every child—regardless of ZIP code—can access exceptional medical care,” said DeLa Torre. “Partnering with local leaders like Council Member Watson helps us extend our reach even further.”
As the summer kicks off, this health fair offered a valuable opportunity for families to check in on their children’s well-being, prepare for the upcoming school year, and connect with essential services—all in one place. Organizers encouraged residents from across the county to attend and take full advantage of the offerings.
