GBMC HealthCare Achieves Huge Success With Virtual Walk

GBMC HEALTHCARE ACHIEVES HUGE SUCCESS WITH RECENT VIRTUAL “WALK A MILE IN THEIR SHOES” EVENT

Participants walked one mile or more at the location of their choice, ensuring social distancing, and shared their photos on social media to raise awareness for sexual assault survivors.

TOWSON, Md. – In support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, GBMC HealthCare recently held its 5th annual Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event virtually, to adhere to social distancing orders put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants walked at least one mile and recorded their journey via photo or video to shed light on the extremely important issue of sexual abuse, one which impacts people of all ages, even during a worldwide pandemic. In an effort to avoid bringing large groups together, GBMC decided to create a VIRTUAL version of this annual event, with the goal of reaching a total of 725 miles together to represent the 725 patients who received help from the SAFE and DV Program in 2019.

GBMC unveiled their new Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) and Domestic Violence (DV) unit earlier this year and the support has been incredible. This annual event surpassed expectations substantially, with 300 participants walking/running over 2,501.76 miles, which was over 3x the goal. The commitment of participants to make a positive impact in the lives of sexual assault survivors was apparent in the $67,500 that was raised for the GBMC SAFE and DV Program.

All donations benefitted GBMC’s SAFE and DV Program. Registered nurses in GBMC’s SAFE and DV Program are specifically trained and certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing to provide services for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in a confidential, non-judgmental atmosphere. At no cost to the patient, these nurses focus on reempowering survivors to begin the healing process, in addition to working toward ending sexual assault and intimate partner violence in the community.

Additional photos and videos of participants can be seen on social media by searching #GBMCWalkaMile or by visiting #GBMCMedia.