MedStar Health, Clinton Baptist Church Team Up for Free Prostate Cancer Screenings

Black men in Prince George's County are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than twice as likely to die from it. This Saturday, MedStar Health and Clinton Baptist Church are bringing free screenings directly to the community to confront that disparity head-on.

The Health and Wellness Resource Fair runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, at Clinton Baptist Church, 8701 Woodyard Road in Clinton. Alongside free prostate cancer screenings, the fair will offer vaccines, blood pressure checks, and services from more than 25 community partners. Screening slots are limited, and residents must register in advance online. For more information, email MSMHC-CommunityHealth@medstar.net.

Dr. Chiledum Ahaghotu, a board-certified urologist and vice president of medical affairs at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, will personally conduct the screenings. Each one includes a PSA blood test. "We want Black men to understand their risk factors and the importance of getting screened regularly," Ahaghotu said. "Prostate cancer caught early can be treated successfully."

The American Cancer Society recommends that men at average risk begin screening at age 50, but because Black men face elevated risk, many should start earlier. For those at highest risk, the ACS advises beginning as early as age 40.

Jessica Gamero, MedStar Health's community health program manager, said the fair is designed to lower the barriers that keep residents from accessing preventive care. "Our goal is to create a welcoming, one-stop space where community members can access preventive care, learn about available resources, and connect with trusted organizations," Gamero said.

Pastor Colin Pugh of Clinton Baptist Church framed the event as part of a longer commitment to the congregation's neighbors. "We are excited to work together to care for our community and give Prince George's County residents a healthier future," Pugh said.

According to the church's website, this marks the third time Clinton Baptist Church and MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center have joined forces to provide free prostate cancer screenings to the community. Their prior collaborations have reached well beyond health care: a Community Baby Shower Resource Fair the two organizations co-hosted drew more than 500 expecting and first-time parents, with more than 100 prayed for during the event.

Clinton Baptist Church has also expanded outreach to Spanish-speaking residents by adding live language translation at its Sunday morning services, a detail that raises the question of whether similar language access will be available at Saturday's fair. Organizers have not confirmed that publicly.

Screening slots are going quickly. Residents can register online or contact MSMHC-CommunityHealth@medstar.net to learn more before Saturday's 10 a.m. start.