Rev Sharpton, Rev Jefferson and Mayor Baraka, Team Up for Health Equity On Feb. 28th

MLK HEALTH EQUITY SUMMIT 2026

Free Health Screenings, Insurance Enrollment, and Care Access

Saturday, February 28, 2026 | Essex County College, Newark, NJ | Hundreds Expected

NEWARK, NJ — Rev. David Jefferson Sr., Esq., senior leader of Metropolitan Baptist Church and Choose Healthy Life Newark Clergy Leader, is convening faith leaders, healthcare providers, government officials, and community organizations for the MLK Health Equity Summit 2026 — a large-scale, free wellness initiative designed to confront the health disparities that continue to impact underserved residents across Newark and Essex County.

Guided by Rev. Jefferson and hosted in partnership with Choose Healthy Life (CHL), Quest Diagnostics, and the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, the Summit will offer free Blueprint for Wellness® screenings, on-site medical consultations, health insurance enrollment assistance, and direct referrals to primary care, behavioral health, and community-based services. By bringing these services directly into the community, the Summit removes the barriers that too often stand between Newark residents and early detection, treatment, and lasting care.

The initiative is rooted in the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the conviction that health equity is not simply a public health goal, it is a matter of justice, dignity, and community power.

WHO:

Choose Healthy Life (CHL) — a national nonprofit increasing access to health services through the Black church, faith leaders, healthcare systems, insurers, community organizations, government partners, Quest Diagnostics, and the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey.

FIND FLYER HERE

Invited Speakers & Dignitaries include:

Rev. Dr. David Jefferson Sr., Esq. — Choose Healthy Life Newark Clergy Leader

Rev. Al Sharpton — Choose Healthy Life Clergy Council Co-Chair

Hon. Governor Mikie Sherrill

Mayor Ras J. Baraka — City of Newark

Rev. Kimberly L. Williams — Choose Healthy Life President & CEO

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr.

President, Essex County College

President & CEO, University Hospital

Quest Diagnostics Representatives

WHAT:

MLK Health Equity Summit 2026

A free, community wellness event providing:

• Blueprint for Wellness® screenings

• On-site medical services and consultations

• Health insurance enrollment assistance

• Chronic disease prevention education

• Referrals to primary care, behavioral health, and community-based services

WHEN:

Saturday, February 28, 2026

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Health screenings begin at 10:00 AM

Speaker Program: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

WHERE:

Essex County College Gymnasium

177 West Market Street

Newark, NJ 07102

WHY THIS MATTERS:

The MLK Health Equity Summit brings preventive care directly into the community — helping residents detect chronic conditions earlier, enroll in coverage, and establish long-term relationships with trusted providers.

The Summit supports:

• Expanded access to preventive healthcare

• Early identification of chronic disease risk factors

• Increased insurance coverage and care continuity

• Stronger coordination between healthcare providers and community organizations

VISUAL & STORY OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEDIA:

• Large-scale community screenings in action

• Residents receiving real-time health services on-site

• Faith and healthcare leaders working side by side

• Live insurance enrollment and resource navigation

• Community testimonials and impact stories

SPONSORS & PARTNERS:

Choose Healthy Life · General Baptist Convention of NJ · Quest Diagnostics

Community & Healthcare Partners:

Essex County College · National Action Network · RWJBarnabas Health · Greater Newark Healthcare Coalition · Aetna · St. James Health · University Hospital · BlueCross BlueShield · City of Newark · Quest Diagnostics · New Jersey Governor's Office, Newark Community Health Center (NCHC), Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Oak Street Health

COMMUNITY CALL TO ACTION:

Residents are encouraged to arrive 15–30 minutes early to complete registration and maximize access to screenings and services.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Desiree Peterkin Bell

Mobile: 646-489-1620

Email: dpbell@desireepeterkinbell.com