District Dads and DC Health Champion Men’s Heart Health

In June 2025, the DC Department of Health partnered with Martha’s Table to pilot a new influencer program aimed at reaching Black men in Wards 7 and 8 who are disproportionately affected by uncontrolled hypertension and heart disease. Ten alumni of the District Dads program were trained to serve as community health influencers, each responsible for leading outreach and education at a minimum of five community events between June and September.

The goal is simple but powerful. District Dads alumni are encouraging men to get regular health screenings, seek medical care when needed, and open up about their well-being. By talking openly about health, they are breaking down stigma and showing that conversations about blood pressure, stress, and heart health are just as important as any other part of daily life.

The Men’s Health Initiative is about more than wellness for individuals. It is about fathers, grandfathers, and mentors stepping into their roles as trusted voices in the community. When men talk about their health and model positive choices, those conversations ripple through families, neighborhoods, and future generations.

Matt Miller, who leads the District Dads program, is keeping a close eye on the outreach happening across the city. The DC Department of Health will use these insights to shape a long-term model for reaching Black men with health education. To make sure the community’s voice stays at the center, Martha’s Table will host two feedback sessions where District Dads alumni and DC Health can come together to share what is working and spark new ideas for the future.

Too often, men delay seeking care or hesitate to talk about their health challenges. This initiative is working to change that pattern. District Dads are proving that leadership is not only about titles or positions of power. Leadership can look like pulling a friend aside to talk about blood pressure, checking in on a neighbor’s stress levels, or showing children that real strength includes caring for your health.

“When we get out into the community and talk about our health, people are engaging because they know us,” said Matt Miller. “We are their neighbors, their friends, and their family. That makes the message hit home in a way that really matters. We’re also listening and learning along the way about how men’s health impacts not just individuals, but whole families.”

The Men’s Health Initiative is redefining leadership by putting fathers and caregivers at the center of health conversations. By stepping into these roles, District Dads health influencers are building a culture where men see health as a foundation for strong families and strong communities.

Want to learn more about our District Dads program and the latest health initiative?

Contact Matt Miller at mmiller@marthastable.org