Montgomery County to Host ‘Walk for Life’ at Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreational Park on Friday, March 20, in Silver Spring

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Free Event Promotes Early Detection and Prevention During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Cancer, Tobacco and Cannabis Prevention (CTCP) Program will host its first annual "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Walk for Life" from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, March 20, at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreational Park. The free event will promote early detection, prevention, and community support in the fight against colorectal cancer.

In-person registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreational Park is located at 1120 Jackson Road in Silver Spring.

"We want all residents to have access to preventative healthcare, especially when it comes to cancers," said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. "And colorectal screenings are a vital piece of that puzzle. This event brings us together to highlight a disease we can fight early. But cost should never stand in the way. So, our program offers these screenings at no cost to eligible residents. It is about protecting families and saving lives."

The program invites residents, health partners, and community organizations to come together to raise awareness about the importance of timely screenings and healthy lifestyle practices. Participants will take part in a guided, nearly one-mile walk along the scenic HeartSmart Trail at Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreational Park and receive health education materials and resources.

The County encourages residents, especially those ages 45 and older, to attend and learn more about colorectal cancer prevention. Early detection plays a critical role in reducing risk and improving outcomes.

The event is supported by the Montgomery County Colorectal Screening Program. Participants are encouraged to bring family, friends, and colleagues.

About the Montgomery County Colorectal Cancer Screening Program

The program provides screening services and follow-up care at no cost to eligible residents. Services are available for Montgomery County residents who are uninsured or underinsured, aged 45 or older, and have a family income at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. Applications are available in English and Spanish.

For more information about the CTCP Program or colorectal cancer screening services, visit the CTCP Program website or call 240-777-1750.

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