Luminis Health Hosts Third Annual Community Baby Shower for Prince George’s County Families: Event Aims to Combat Rising Delays in Prenatal Care

Glendale, MD — As new federal data shows more women are delaying prenatal care, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) is hosting its third annual Community Baby Shower Saturday, April 11, 2026 from noon to 4 p.m.  

Due to growing popularity and a desire to reach more families, LHDCMC is partnering with Reid Temple A.M.E to host this year’s Community Baby Shower at the church’s campus in Glendale.  

The Community Baby Shower is free and open to the public and will support expectant mothers and families with children up to age 2 through:

• Educational presentations on pregnancy, maternal mental health, and lactation.
• Local vendors offering baby essentials and supportive services.
• A raffle for breast bumps, a car seat, and stroller.
• Diaper and other baby giveaways.

“During the pandemic, Reid Temple A.M.E. Church was a trusted partner in helping us educate and vaccinate the community against COVID-19,” said Temi Oshiyoye, Luminis Health’s director of Community Health Improvement.

“We are proud to partner again to ensure families have the knowledge, resources, and support they need for a healthy pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.” 

The need for early and consistent care is more urgent than ever. A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that a quarter of women delay prenatal care, which increases the risk of complications and maternal mortality.

The trend is especially concerning in Prince George’s County, where eight out of 10 women leave the county to deliver their babies. Black women also continue to face disproportionately high maternal mortality rates, approximately 50% higher than the national average.

LHDCMC is committed to addressing the maternal health crisis. Next month, the hospital will break ground on a new Women’s Health Pavilion on its Lanham campus. The pavilion will have inpatient obstetric services, including labor, delivery, and postpartum care.

These expanded women’s health services are scheduled to launch in early 2029. Once fully operational, LHDCMC expects to deliver approximately 2,000 babies each year.

“By expanding access to comprehensive women’s health services, we can help reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in our community and build healthier, thriving families for generations to come,” said Deneen Richmond, president of LHDCMC. “Our annual Community Baby Shower is one way we are helping families start that journey with the support they deserve.“

In addition to expanding hospital-based services, Luminis Health is strengthening its investment in community-based prevention efforts. This summer, the health system will launch the Start Well Preconception Program, a cohort-based initiative designed to support women before pregnancy. Led by registered nurses, midwives and doulas, and community health team members, the program connects participants with trusted clinical guidance and a supportive peer network as they navigate important health decisions.

Sessions include education and on-site health screenings such as A1C testing, diabetes risk assessment, nutrition counseling and blood pressure checks. Thanks to a generous grant from Care First and the Greater Washington Community Foundation, the program will be offered free of charge beginning in July, and no insurance is required.

Together, these efforts reflect Luminis Health’s commitment to ensuring every family in Prince George’s County has access to the care, education, and support needed for a healthy baby before, during, and after pregnancy.