On a picture-perfect autumn morning, neighbors, families, and friends gathered outside the GW Cancer Prevention and Wellness Center in Congress Heights for the first-ever Block Party and Health Fest on October 4. With sunshine, laughter, and music filling the air, the day celebrated one simple message: wellness starts here.
The event brought the six pillars of lifestyle medicine — nutrition, physical activity, stress management, restorative sleep, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances to life through interactive stations and activities designed for all ages. From Zumba and hip-hop step classes that had everyone moving, to nutrition demonstrations that offered healthy, budget-friendly tips, to arts and crafts tables where kids (and grown-ups!) could get creative, the day embodied the joy of healthy living. A DJ kept the energy high, and spontaneous line dancing broke out along the sidewalk, while the double dutch jump rope station had participants literally jumping for joy.
Sherrie Wallington, PhD, Associate Director for Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity at the GW Cancer Center, called the event “a beautiful reflection of what we’ve been building together.” She added, “The Wellness Center is more than a space. It’s a gathering place where our community can connect, learn, and celebrate health on their own terms. Seeing everyone come out, dance, laugh, and share in the spirit of wellness was truly inspiring.”
Wallington also emphasized the importance of partnership in making the event and the Wellness Center possible. “We designed the Wellness Center with the community, not for it,” she said. “Events like this remind us that prevention and wellness can be joyful, empowering, and rooted in belonging.”
“The turnout was amazing,” said Claudia Campos Galván, GW Cancer Center Administrator/Community Health Worker Lead. “We saw so many new faces, and so many people told us they can’t wait to come back for future programs.”
The Block Party and Health Fest was a celebration of community and connection. As music played and neighbors danced together, the Wellness Center’s mission came to life: making health and prevention accessible, fun, and deeply rooted in the heart of Ward 8.
Wellness starts here, at the GW Cancer Prevention and Wellness Center. And it’s just getting started.
