A regional health fair focused on both physical and mental wellness took place in Arlington for the first time last weekend.
Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School hosted the 2026 Black Wellness Expo, sponsored by the Arlington chapter of The Links, Incorporated, on Saturday.
The goal of the five-hour event was to give participants “general information they can take with them to make better choices,” said Angell Jacobs, who helped organize the event.
It was the fourth time the regional health fair was held, but the first time in Arlington, she said.
“We hope to have an impact on the community’s health,” Jacobs told ARLnow.
The event, which was open to all, included seminars, information booths, raffles and even line dancing. Participating organizations included Inova, AARP, CARE Inc., Health Betterment Institute, Black and Missing Foundation and the county government.
Joining the festivities were the current Miss American Preteenager, Bella Spencer, and Miss American Teenager, Zoe Davis. Spencer is a student at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, while Davis attends Jackson-Reed High School in D.C.
The Links, Incorporated was founded in 1946 as a way for Black professional women to engage in community service. The Arlington chapter’s efforts range from supporting the arts and youth programs to developing empowerment initiatives.
