The rhythmic slap of double-dutch ropes and the steady pulse of line dancing music broke the usual bustle of the Spotsylvania Towne Centre food court May 2 as the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Stafford–Fredericksburg Section, hosted its third annual community health fair.
Under the theme “New Year, Better Health,” the event drew curious crowds who paused to explore booths for resources about local healthcare options. Over 35 health and wellness organizations from the Fredericksburg, Culpeper, Orange and Stafford gathered to bring awareness to key health resources.
“Our goal is to provide a variety of services that address the whole individual and share reliable information from trusted sources, especially for Black and brown communities,” said Sharon Johnson Theodore, NCNW Good Health Wins Chair.
Health information was intentionally made accessible at this year’s fair. Representatives from Giant Food offered immunizations and high school volunteers from Pathways to Achievement, Wellness & Stability (PAWS) practiced taking blood pressure readings with passersby.
April Morgan from Germanna College attends the Community Health Fair at the Spotsylvania Towne Centre Mall, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Harmony McGuire, owner of Flourishing Hearts Counseling & Hypnotherapy, represented mental health services at the fair. Her work aims to help women move past trauma and fear through traditional talk therapy. “My goal is to share mindfulness approaches to help women manage overwhelm, stress and anxiety,” she said.
The fair also served as a platform for deeply personal advocacy. Carol Griffith, 69, stood at the Infinite Legacy booth sharing her story of becoming a living donor at 64. Her journey began with a hope to match for a friend’s son, but when she learned she wasn’t a match, she didn’t stop. Feeling “called by God” to see the process through, Griffith chose to continue the journey to completion, eventually donating her kidney to a stranger.
“I am here today because I wanted to bring awareness to the donation process and clear any misconceptions of registering as an organ donor,” Griffith said, noting that one deceased organ donor can save up to eight lives.
Fredericksburg City Councilwoman Joy Crump addressed the crowd on how she prioritizes her health and spotlighted free local resources like chair yoga at the Fredericksburg Co-Op, and affordable classes and activities through FXBG Parks, Recreation & Events.
Live jump rope demonstrations from Rebel Roses Social Club, boxing lessons by Keepunchin and proper stretching techniques from athletes with Second to None Track and Field Team showed visitors enjoyable methods of exercise.
While this year’s fair occupied a significant portion of the food court, the NCNW has hopes for larger events in upcoming years. The health fair remains a cornerstone of their community activism. “Ultimately, we want the upcoming fairs to take over the entire mall!” proclaimed Johnson Theodore.
