By Camille Davis
Special to the AFRO

April 7 was World Health Day, yet with the COVID-19 pandemic, many platforms are recognizing the importance of health practitioners for the entire month.

This year’s World Health Day, a Prince George’s County non-profit used the international celebration as an opportunity to highlight the work of our healthcare workers and providers.

Nurses and hospital staff thank Blue Waters Caribbean & Seafood Grill and the Darius Lawrence Montgomery Foundation for giving back to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Courtesy Photo)

Hours ahead of the international day of recognition, Blue Waters Caribbean & Seafood Grill (6349 Old Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD 20748), in partnership with The Darius Lawrence Montgomery Foundation, donated “healthy-and-signature meals” (grilled salmon sandwiches, Signature Rude Boy Pasta, fries, wings, Artisan Coco Bread, veggie wraps and turkey sliders) and bracelets to nurses and staff at Inova Fairfax hospital.

The Darius Lawrence Montgomery Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The mission of the organization is to “bring more awareness to the importance of getting one’s blood pressure checked regularly and heart health awareness.

Blue Waters Caribbean & Seafood Grill teamed up with the Darius Lawrence Montgomery Foundation to give back to healthcare workers in the D.M.V. region. (Courtesy Photo)

Darius Lawrence Montgomery was a student-athlete, turned chef and entrepreneur, who was slated to co-found Blue Waters Caribbean & Seafood Grill. Having been diagnosed with hypertension two years before his death, Montgomery attempted to control his blood pressure with alternative medicines.  However, extreme leg pain turned into two emergency surgeries, kidney failure, a two-week stay in the cardiac intensive care unit and ultimately his death in October 2016.

“Thumbs Up 2 BP Checks,” is Montgomery’s legacy. Not only was Montgomery instrumental in the conception of Blue Waters, but the Darius Lawrence Montgomery Foundation (in his memory) regularly performs blood-pressure checks in the community and at events. Since the team is unable to get out to take blood pressure readings due to social distancing, they sought other options for community outreach.

Gail Lawrence Ragland, mother of Montgomery who works with the Darius Lawrence Montgomery Foundation explained why the organization chose to consider healthcare workers during this time.  “My niece is a nurse. The health care workers are putting their lives on hold and in danger. Most times, they’re so rushed and don’t take the opportunity to stop and eat. I said to myself ‘this is what we’re going to do. We’re going to feed them!’”

Ragland mentioned that she loves the work of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam during the COVID-19 crisis and the way the leaders “are coming together.”

To show appreciation for the work being done all around the D.M.V., Blue Waters, in partnership with the Foundation, will do a donation to D.C. and  Maryland hospitals as well.

“The Blue” (bluewaterscsgrill.com) is still in business for delivery via Grubhub and Doordash as well as Curbside pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“As small businesses cannot predict their future, being able to build community during this time is extremely important,” said Jeanine Horne Michael of Blue Waters’ Community Connections.