Baltimore Pride is one of the oldest pride celebrations in the country, celebrating 44 years this year. The American Heart Association of Greater Maryland was proud to participate in the festivities this year.
Our mission at the AHA is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We strive to save and improve the lives of all Americans. “All” Americans includes people of all backgrounds and across the spectrum of all diversity elements: sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, faith, socio-economic levels, and physical and cognitive disabilities.
On Saturday, June 15, 2019, we joined with community partners and thousands of people to celebrate PRIDE in downtown Baltimore City. Staff and volunteers alike welcomed festival goers to our tent to teach hands-only CPR, educate about our advocacy initiatives, share heart and stroke resources, and most importantly share how the AHA is supporting the LGBTQ+ community. (More than 100 individuals signed up to volunteer with our advocacy team and join our Heart Walk!)
One Baltimore resident shared with us, “We are still fighting homelessness, we are still fighting discrimination, we are still fighting lack of care, and to see an organization like the American Heart Association here today means support for our community is growing, thank you.”
It was an incredible day meeting new friends, seeing old ones and showing our PRIDE.