The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) African American Health Program (AAHP) will host its inaugural “The Park Goes Pink for Breast Cancer,” a free event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Wheaton Regional Park.
The AAHP is partnering with Maryland State Delegate Pamela Queen, Montgomery County Recreation, the Montgomery Parks Department and McFarland and Associates to celebrate breast cancer survivors and caregivers and to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Wheaton Regional Park is located at 2000 Shorefield Road in Wheaton. On-site parking is limited. Free shuttle service from Kennedy High School (1901 Randolph Road in Wheaton) will be available for attendees.
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the importance of early detection and the need for regular screenings and education to address this life-threatening disease,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I applaud the County’s African American Health Program and Delegate Queen for organizing and hosting ‘The Park Goes Pink for Breast Cancer.’ I encourage everyone to attend the event on Oct. 12 to take advantage of free health screenings and to learn more about the resources available for those affected by breast cancer and their caregivers.”
The event will include free health screenings, giveaways, raffles, music and local vendors. Breast cancer survivors and caregivers will receive special recognition. Free food and drink will be offered while supplies last.
“I am pleased to partner with the County on this important event,” said Delegate Queen. “As a 15-year breast cancer survivor whose late diagnosis resulted in aggressive treatment including chemotherapy, a mastectomy and radiation, I know first-hand the importance of education and awareness programs to increase early breast cancer detection. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for females in Maryland after lung cancer and there are significant racial disparities between Black women and White women for breast cancer mortality with Black women diagnosed more often at a later stage.”
The event is free, but registration is encouraged. To register, click here.
The African American Health Program is funded and administered by DHHS and implemented by McFarland and Associates. For more information, visit the AAHP website.
