The Y of Central Maryland recently recognized Amerigroup Maryland for its dedication to health equity, presenting Lori Hammond, Amerigroup’s Director of Marketing, and Lanise Thompson, an Amerigroup Community Outreach Manager, with the Y’s “Healthy Living“ award.

Hammond and Thompson were among the award recipients at the Y’s 46th annual Martin Luther King Jr. virtual memorial breakfast January 15. Other winners included newly-elected Baltimore City Councilman James Torrence, and Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, Baltimore City Public Schools CEO.

"Amerigroup's clear commitment to healthy living is abundantly evident. They jumped in as full-fledged partners to the Y to help address health disparities worsened by the Pandemic. From providing thousands of reusable grocery bags to support Y food distribution, PPE for families, a generous grant to help set up a Y food pantry, and coordinating COVID testing and flu vaccination events, Amerigroup has been a model partner to the Y and to the community WE are mutually pledged to serve in every way. We are deeply grateful for their leadership and delighted to recognize this important partner with the Y Healthy Living Award," said John Hoey, President, and CEO of the Y of Central Maryland.

The virtual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and accomplishments included performances by youth and a discussion between Hoey and Councilman Torrence, who credits the Y with his journey from hardship to leadership.

“As an organization dedicated to improving the health of well-being of local communities, it’s an honor for Amerigroup to be recognized by the Y,” said Hammond, “With a shared mission of building healthy communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, we are proud to of the work we’ve done with the Y and look forward to continued efforts to help local families.