Wellpoint Maryland Helps Students Start the School Year Ready for Success

By ENID DOGGETT
Wellpoint Maryland

As students across Maryland prepared to return to the classroom, Wellpoint Maryland teamed up with community leaders and local physicians’ offices to help families get ready for the new school year. Through back-to-school events held across the state, Wellpoint distributed backpacks and essential school supplies, helping students start the year equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

Wellpoint Maryland also partnered with WPGC 95.5 for the station’s annual Community Cut for Kids event, a free, family-friendly celebration designed to help students head back to school looking and feeling their best. The event offered complimentary haircuts, braiding and other back-to-school resources, giving students an added boost of confidence as they prepared to return to the classroom.

These efforts highlight Wellpoint Maryland’s commitment to working alongside trusted community partners to support children and families throughout the state. By helping address practical back-to-school needs and creating opportunities for students to feel prepared and empowered, Wellpoint Maryland is helping young people begin the school year with confidence and ready to learn.

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Antioch Baptist Church to Host Community Day, Connecting Prince George’s County Residents With Health, Wellness and Community Resources

By PRESS OFFICER

Antioch Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro

Upper Marlboro, Md. (Sept 9, 2026)—For nearly 50 years, Antioch Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro has been a part of and served the Prince George’s County community. Continuing that legacy of service, Antioch will host its Community Day on Sunday, September 20, 2026, bringing residents together for a day of worship, community resources, health and wellness information, family activities, food and fellowship.

 
Held under the theme “Elevating Our Community through Support, Engagement and Awareness,” Community Day reflects Antioch’s commitment to reaching beyond the walls of the church and serving as a resource and partner to the surrounding community.

The day will begin with an outdoor worship service at 10 a.m., followed by Community Day activities from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Antioch Baptist Church, 13205 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.

Community Day will connect residents with resources and activities focused on several areas of community well-being, including:

• Know Your Numbers—vital health checks and awareness

• Mental Health Matters—resources and support

• Senior Matters—information and resources for older adults

• Local Farming & Produce—fresh, local and healthy options

• Food Trucks & More

• Kid and Play Activities—games, crafts, music and family fun

“At Antioch, we believe the church has a responsibility to serve not only those inside its walls, but the community around us,” said Pastor L. Tanai White. “Community Day is an opportunity to bring people together, connect families with meaningful resources and demonstrate what it looks like when the church and community work together.”

Community Day is free and open to all, and residents are encouraged to bring their families, friends and lawn chairs and spend the day connecting with neighbors and community resources.

For nearly 50 years, Antioch Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro has served the Prince George’s County community through faith, fellowship, outreach and service. Antioch remains committed to reaching beyond the walls of the church by supporting, engaging and connecting with the community it serves.

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Get Moving, Get Screened and Get Connected at Free Prince George’s County Health Fair
Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Prince George’s County Chapter to host Sept. 26 event featuring health screenings, interactive wellness activities and fun for all ages

By LADY MARIA JAMES

CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. (Aug. 17, 2026)—Get ready to move, learn and take charge of your health! From children ready for a challenge to older adults looking for fun ways to stay active, there will be something for every generation at the Let’s Move Prince George’s County Community Health Fair.

The Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Prince George’s County Chapter, in partnership with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, will host the free event Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oakcrest Community Center in Capitol Heights.

Under the theme “Wellness for All: Mind, Body, and Community,” this won’t be your typical health fair. In addition to valuable health information, attendees will be invited to get up, participate and try something new through interactive activities for all ages.

Children can take on a Kids Challenge, while teens and adults can get moving through fitness activities or learn practical techniques during a self-defense demonstration. Adults and older residents can try chair yoga, and attendees can pick up healthy eating ideas through a nutrition workshop and cooking demonstration.

Men’s health will also take center stage, with a special panel designed to engage men in conversations about their health and wellness.
 
Visitors can learn important information about their health through screenings and services, including blood pressure and A1C checks, vision and hearing screenings, and sickle cell trait testing and education. Mental health and other community wellness resources will also be available.

The fair will bring together organizations including the Prince George’s County Health Department, AARP Maryland, Howard University Sickle Cell Center, NAMI, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and other health and community partners.

Whether you come to get screened, join an activity, learn about men’s health, discover a new healthy habit or enjoy the day with your family, the health fair offers Prince George’s County residents an opportunity to make wellness active, accessible and fun.

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Pack the Pack Delivers Over 16,000 Pounds of School Supplies to Maryland Students

By PRESS OFFICER
Support Education Foundation

Rockville, Md. (Sept. 11, 2026)––The Support Education Foundation recently completed its annual Pack the Pack initiative, distributing more than 16,000 pounds of backpacks and school supplies to help 5,000 students across 14 Maryland counties start the new school year ready to learn.

Volunteers from the Support Education Foundation, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union and the community gathered at the Foundation’s office in Rockville to sort, pack and prepare supplies for distribution to students in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Talbot and Wicomico counties.

“Pack the Pack is about making sure students have the tools they need to walk into the classroom ready to learn and succeed,” said Dominic Powell, Board Member of the Support Education Foundation. “Thanks to the tremendous support of our volunteers and community partners, 5,000 students across 14 Maryland counties will begin the school year with the supplies they need.”

Among the organizations receiving supplies was the Education Foundation of Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the Support Education Foundation and its donation of 150 filled backpacks,” said Joe Callahan, Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Anne Arundel County Public Schools. “These critical school supplies will ensure that our students have everything they need to start the new school year ready to learn. The supplies allow our families, especially those who are unable to afford them, to breathe a sigh of relief knowing their community is there to support them.”

Pack the Pack is part of the Support Education Foundation’s commitment to helping students, educators and schools thrive. Through partnerships and volunteerism, the Foundation provides resources and opportunities that strengthen education throughout the communities it serves.

The Support Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization founded by Educational Systems Federal Credit Union in 2017 to support student programs, scholarships and professional development opportunities for educators. For more information, visit SupportEducation.org.

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