NCNW-Potomac Valley Section, Inc. Health Committee

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) mission is to lead, empower and advocate for women of African descent, their families and communities.

National Council Negro Women (NCNW) is an “organization of organizations,” comprised of 330 campus and community-based sections and 33 national women’s organizations that enlightens, inspires, and connects more than 2,000,000 women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities. It was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist, and for more than fifty years, the iconic Dr. Dorothy Height was president of NCNW.

Today, the NCNW programs are grounded on a foundation of critical concerns that are now “NCNW Priorities.” Our organization promotes education; encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic stability; educates women about health and promotes healthcare access, and promotes civic engagement and advocates for sound public policy and social justice.

Potomac Valley Section

The Potomac Valley Section is a community-based section of NCNW that was organized in 1997 and chartered on November 13, 1998. The Potomac Section has a rich history of community service and advocacy in Montgomery County Maryland and the surrounding area for more than 25 years. Some of our on-going activities, projects and achievements include the following:

• Girls’ Rites of Passage - Our signature program of 25 years, which has prepared some 400 young ladies for adulthood, by providing them with the physical, spiritual, mental, financial and social skills needed to survive and thrive in today’s world.

• Smart Sacks & More Program, which addresses the needs of “at risk” children and families with food and clothing insecurities.

• Social Outreach Program annually provides support to local homeless shelters and residents in crisis and/or experiencing hardship.

• Seniors’ Program provides personal care resources and meaningful opportunities for social and educational engagement to scores of seniors in area nursing homes.

• Scholarships for graduating high school seniors who are of African descent and plan to attend a two or four year college or technical school.

PVS has an ongoing partnership with The People’s Community Baptist Church.

PVS/NCNW believes in excellence, self-reliance, education, commitment, volunteering and giving back, partnership and sharing – and leaving no one behind. In 2012, PVS adopted the Section motto “What We Do Matters.”

Collaborators & Partners

Good Health WINS begins with education. Our advocates understand the importance of immunizations and are working to create an infrastructure for good health. This is achieved by reducing health disparities, increasing vaccination opportunities, vaccination education and identifying the drivers of vaccine hesitancy.

Good Health WINS champions are taking collective action to reduce vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination rates. Together, trusted messengers in NCNW sections, national affiliates, and partnering organizations share the vision and understand the importance of immunizations and good health. We are a growing network of grassroot organizations, health care advocates, policy makers and people who passionately want to inform and empower everyone, especially communities of color, on vaccine opportunities, access and reducing health disparities. Good Health WINS begins with education and grows with partners and people who care. Join the Good Health WINS collaborators and partners.