NMA’s “Walk a Mile With a Child” Brings Together Health, STEM Education, and Youth Empowerment Initiatives
SILVER SPRING, Md., July 20, 2026 — The National Medical Association (NMA) will convene its Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from July 25-29, 2026, at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. The theme of the convention is “The New Reconstruction — Mobilizing Healthcare Justice for a New America: Our Patients, Providers, and Policy.”
The convention kicks off with “Walk a Mile With a Child,” a community wellness event designed to promote healthy lifestyles, mentorship, and community engagement. Convention attendees and the local community are welcome to participate in the free event. The annual event will feature:
- Free health screenings and wellness resources
- CPR demonstrations and health education
- STEM activities and youth enrichment programs
- Family-friendly games, entertainment, and giveaways
- Community engagement opportunities for participants of all ages
“This partnership represents the power of service, collaboration, and collective impact,” said Roger Mitchell, MD, 126th President of the National Medical Association. “Together, we are creating meaningful opportunities to improve health outcomes, inspire future leaders, and strengthen communities across the U.S. including Puerto Rico.”
The “Walk a Mile” event is free and open to the public. Families, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and civic organizations are encouraged to attend and be part of this landmark effort to promote wellness and opportunity throughout Puerto Rico. Members of several historically Black fraternities and sororities, known as the Divine 9, plan to participate in the free event on Saturday, July 25, at 8 a.m.
“The collaboration between the NMA and the Divine 9 organizations is one way we can serve together and find new ways to address pressing healthcare challenges across the country,” said NMA President-elect Brandi Kaye Freeman, MD, who will be installed as the 127th NMA President on July 28 at the convention and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
For additional information about the NMA, the convention schedule, or ways to get involved, visit www.nmanet.org.
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About the National Medical Association
The National Medical Association (NMA) is the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing African American physicians and healthcare professionals. The NMA is dedicated to advancing health equity and eliminating healthcare disparities in underserved communities.
