WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Providence Hospital celebrated its 150th anniversary this past weekend.
The hospital, in Northeast, kicked off the celebration with a community Health and Fitness Day with special guests Chairman Vincent Gray, Ward 5 Council Member Harry Thomas, Jr. and Council Member At-Large David Catania.
The event was free and open to the public. It featured free health screenings, including fitness demonstrations and nutritional counseling. There was also a farmer's market to promote healthy foods and the launch of the community-wide 150,000-pound weight loss challenge.
The focus of this year's anniversary was not only the commemoration of its long history. It was also a platform to address the health issues in the greater DC area regarding obesity, infant mortality, and behavioral health.
Providence was founded in 1861 and chartered by President Abraham Lincoln. It is the oldest continuously operating hospital and health ministry in DC.