Health Betterment Initiative

06/17/2026

GW Nursing students supported HBI’s shelter-based testing event in DC. 💙

Together, the team delivered full-circle health outreach, providing 30+ rapid screenings for HIV, HCV, and syphilis.

✅ Two team members focused entirely on linkage to care so no positive results ever lead to a dead end.

Phlebotomy, testing, and follow-up coordination all happened in one visit, on-site. 🩺Eliminating barriers to better health starts with meeting people where they are.

Our Shelter Testing Program is managed and led by CEO Sandra Marrero Ashford.

06/17/2026

06/16/2026

This past Saturday, HBI partnered with the local community, serving many individuals without health insurance, to provide free health screenings at Fresh World Supermarket in Woodbridge, VA.

HBI also brought the mobile health clinic directly to the community to expand access to care.

Participants received vital screenings including:

✅ A1c (blood sugar)
✅ CMP (liver and kidney function)
✅ Lipid panel (cholesterol)

These services help empower individuals with the knowledge they need to take control of their health.

Special thanks to the Potomac Health Foundation and Fresh World Supermarket in Woodbridge, VA for making this event possible and helping advance our mission.

Together, we are building healthier communities. 💙

06/01/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday! 💙

We hosted free health screenings at Dar Alnoor Islamic Community Center on Sunday, May 31, offering A1c (diabetes), comprehensive metabolic panel (liver and kidney function), and cholesterol checks. 🩺

We were also grateful to have Melissa, Patient Advocacy Field Liaison from Madrigal Pharma, join us for outreach and education.

Knowing your numbers is a powerful step toward better health, and we're grateful to everyone who came out to take it.

Stay tuned for our next event!

05/20/2026

🩸 Hepatitis Testing Day and the HBI team came in full force!

We had the privilege of serving two incredible communities today: Kolmac in Baltimore and Marion’s House in Washington DC, our very first visit there!

We provided 100% FREE screenings including Hepatitis C, HIV, Syphilis, Diabetes/HbA1c, and a full metabolic panel. But beyond the testing, we took time to truly connect and educate. Some clients had never heard of MASH or knew how Hepatitis C is transmitted; moments like that remind us exactly why this work matters.

As we always say: even if you have insurance, everyone can use some knowledge.

A heartfelt thank you to the Kolmac team for having us in Baltimore, and to Ms. Felder and the entire Marion’s House team in DC for welcoming us so warmly. Your support means everything to the community. 🙏

📞 All clients will be personally contacted with their results.

Visit us at www.hbi-dc.org

05/19/2026

Today is National Hepatitis Testing Day, a reminder to know your status and take control of your health.

Hepatitis B disproportionately affects Asian American communities, and people living with Hepatitis B are at risk for Hepatitis Delta, a more severe form of liver disease. Many people do not have symptoms, so testing is the only way to know.

Talk to your provider about Hepatitis B and Delta testing. Early detection can save your life and protect your loved ones.

05/18/2026

Today, May 18, is World AIDS Vaccine Day 🧬

We honor the scientists, healthcare workers, volunteers, and advocates working tirelessly to develop a safe and effective HIV vaccine. While we’ve made incredible progress in HIV prevention and treatment, the fight is not over.

💡 Ending HIV requires:
✔️ Regular testing
✔️ Access to treatment
✔️ Prevention tools like PrEP
✔️ Continued research for a vaccine

Let’s stand together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support the search for an HIV vaccine. ❤️

c

05/17/2026

❤️ World Hypertension Day. Take Control of Your Health!

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer because it often has no symptoms. It can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.

✅ Check your blood pressure regularly
✅ Stay active and eat healthy
✅ Reduce salt and manage stress

A simple check can save your life. Know your numbers and act today.

05/13/2026

Last night we showed up for DC's most vulnerable. 💙

Our team hit the DC shelters for a full outreach night — and the community showed up too. 33 clients screened for HIV, HCV, and Syphilis.

Two syphilis-positive clients are already connected with our care coordinator Michael, with results and support on the way Thursday–Friday.

None of this happens without our partners: DC Health, DC Mayor's Office of Community Affairs, and Greater Washington Community Foundation . Thank you for making this work possible. 🙏

📊 By the numbers:

33 clients served (high-incidence, vulnerable populations)
32 HIV tests | 33 HCV tests | 33 Syphilis tests
2 syphilis reactives→ 2 confirmatory tests done → care coordination underway

This is what community health looks like in action.

05/11/2026

Today is National Women’s Check-Up Day 💗

It’s a great reminder to prioritize your health and schedule your annual check-up. Regular visits can help detect potential issues early and keep you feeling your best.

Whether it’s a physical exam, screening, or just a conversation with your provider, taking this step is an important act of self-care.

📅 Make the appointment
✅ Stay up to date on screenings
💬 Ask questions about your health

Women’s health Matters. Make yourself a priority.