Fort Washington Medical Center Focuses on Health Disparities in Maryland and Hosts Inaugural Gala

FORT WASHINGTON, Md. - Sept. 13, 2016 - PRLog -- — Fort Washington Medical Center (FWMC) will honor leaders from Prince George's County and the State of Maryland for their trailblazing work in advancing the health and vitality of its residents at their inaugural gala on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016. With the theme "All Hands on Deck: Collaborating for a Healthier Community," the black-tie event will celebrate the outstanding achievements, commitment and dedication of health professionals, community and civic leaders, politicians and various organizations throughout the state. The inaugural gala, which will bring light to the health disparities in Maryland, will be held at the Gaylord Hotel at the National Harbor.

"We are delighted to have an evening honoring the individual and organizational efforts to impact the health of our state," said Reginald A. Jones, interim CEO of FWMC's parent company, Nexus Health. "Over the past several years Maryland, and specifically Prince George's County, has emerged as a leader in the healthcare field. Without the tireless work of several leaders and advocates this would not have been possible."

Honorees will include the Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland, Honorable Senator Barbara Mikulski, U.S. Senator of Maryland, Prince George's County Councilman Obie Patterson and Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III.  FWMC is also actively engaging the community and requesting that individuals and organizations submit nominations of outstanding citizens and organizations who have and are making an impact in Prince George's County in the areas of health awareness, access or care.  Nominations are open and can be made on the website or persons may request nomination forms at twoodfork@fortwashingtonmc.org.

Set to not only be a celebration, but an inspiration, the gala aims to bring awareness to health disparities in Maryland and to motivate the hundreds of attendees to become more engaged and strive for improved healthcare for all, with a particular focus on decreasing inequities that exist based on socioeconomic, age, race and gender demographics.

More information about this year's honorees, as well as ticket and event information for the gala can be found at www.fortwashingtonmc.org. Organizations and companies who share a commitment to addressing health and wellness in Prince George's County and the State of Maryland may contact Dr. Sharon Allison-Ottey at sottey@nexushealth.org regarding partnerships and sponsorship opportunities to join with others and expand the footprint and impact of your organization.

About the Honorees
In June 2015 Governor Larry Hogan was diagnosed with Stage 3 non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and by November 16, 2015 he was cancer free. He is specifically being honored because of his courageous and inspirational fight with cancer that he chose to go through publically, thus inspiring and motivating Marylanders  to push through the obstacles. Additionally, he used the power of his office as  Governor to make three statewide proclamations declaring September both Blood Cancer Awareness Month and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, as well as to continue to designate October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Maryland.

For years, Senator Barbara Mikulski has been a staunch advocate for the National Institutes of Health in support of health research and innovation. She has co-sponsored several bills during her time as a Senator including the 21st Century Women's Health Act of 2015, which allows the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants for family planning service projects, expansion of family planning preventive health services, and training of nurse practitioners specializing in women's health care, as well as the Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2015, which improves seniors' access to behavioral health services by updating the way the Medicare program reimburses clinical social workers. She is being honored for her tireless work to make this nation healthier for all!

Influenced by his wife's battle with dementia, Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, has worked relentlessly to raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease and his family's public sharing of the toll that this disease takes on the patient and those who love them.  He has been very public about their personal journey and this has served as a role model for caregivers and a testimony of true love.  In May of 2016 the Alzheimer's Association of the National Capital Area honored Executive Baker, III at the Association's annual "Brain Ball" for his outreach, advocacy, and support.

Maryland Councilman Obie Patterson is a staunch supporter of FWMC and hosts the yearly Prince George's County Community Health Fair that provides onsite health care services to over 1,000 attendees including medical, dental, and vision screenings. His commitment to a healthy Prince George's County is steadfast and he is an example of an elected official who remains dedicated to the health of his constituents and we do so honor his work.

Other honorees to be selected after the open nomination process.

About Fort Washington Medical Center
Fort Washington Medical Center (FWMC) is an acute care not-for-profit hospital located in Fort Washington, Maryland. FWMC provides 24-hour emergency medical care, critical care, laboratory services, general and outpatient surgery, digital mammography, diagnostic imaging, inpatient rehabilitation, respiratory therapy, and specialty services. The hospital is owned by Nexus Health, a health care management company in Oxon Hill, Maryland. For more information, visit www.fortwashingtonmc.org.