FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2026
National Medical Association Launches Multi‑City Public Health Initiative: 5K Walks for Peace to Promote Safety, Healing, and Community Connection
Dallas, Texas Walk set for September 12
(Dallas, TX) — Every community deserves to feel safe. Safe for children to grow. Safe for families to gather. Safe for neighbors to look out for one another. That belief is driving a major national public health initiative led by the National Medical Association (NMA) and its Violence Prevention Council, chaired by Dr. Michael McGee, in partnership with local NMA Societies across the country.
This September, at least ten cities Nashville is one of at least 10 participating cities— Detroit, Indianapolis, Chicago, Richmond, New York City, Memphis, Washington D.C., Dallas, and Gary—where local NMA societies and community partners will host or participate with other organizers in their Walks for Peace.
United by a shared mission, these events will promote public health, strengthen community connections, support healing, and mobilize collective action to prevent violence. National partners include Cities United, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), and the Sandy Hook Promise SAVE Program, each bringing critical expertise and youth engagement to the effort.
In Dallas, Texas, the Walk for Peace will take place in collaboration with Walk With a Doc on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Kiest Park, 3081 S. Hampton Road, Dallas, TX 75224. The event opens at 8:30 a.m., with the walk beginning at 9:00 a.m. Registration is free, and the event is supported by the Dallas County Health and Human Services.
“The Walks for Peace represent exactly what public health is about—bringing communities together to create conditions where people can live, grow, and thrive,” said Dr. Marvinia Charles, President of the CV Roman Medical Society (Local National Medical Association Society). “I’m incredibly excited to see our NMA chapters, national partners, and local cities unite around this effort. When we walk side by side, we’re not just raising awareness about violence prevention—we’re demonstrating the power of collective action, healing, and hope. This initiative shows what’s possible when medical professionals, community leaders, youth, and families all choose to stand for peace.”
Event Details
Walk with a Doc while Walking for Peace
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Kiest Park, 3081 S. Hampton Road, Dallas, TX 75224
Event Opens: 8:30 a.m. | Walk Begins: 9:00 a.m.
Registration: FREE
Participants are encouraged to bring family, invite friends, gather coworkers, or start a team. “Every step sends a message that we all have a role in creating communities where people feel safe, connected, and supported,” added Charles.
About the National Medical Association
The National Medical Association represents African American physicians and is committed to advancing health equity, eliminating health disparities, and improving the health of underserved communities.
About POP on Youth Violence
Project Outreach and Prevention on Youth Violence is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing youth violence through education, mentorship, health-career development, community engagement, and public-health initiatives.
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