Learn to Swim

WHAT: Government Employees Health Association, Inc. ("GEHA”), in partnership with the Baltimore Ravens, is launching the Baltimore Ravens/GEHA Learn to Swim program with The Y in Central Maryland. This initiative aims to tackle cultural and geographical barriers to health equity via aquatic safety, addressing national disparities.

While the end of summer is near, the "100 Deadliest Days of the Year," bookmarked by Memorial Day and Labor Day, see a notable increase in accidents and drownings compared to other times in the calendar year. By offering resources and support, GEHA, the Ravens and the Y in Central Maryland not only assist in reducing these incidents but also aim to foster generational health improvements through teaching swimming skills and safety awareness, as well as providing essential equipment.

Key program highlights include:

• Impact on the Community: The Baltimore Ravens/GEHA Learn to Swim program will benefit 100 individuals throughout Baltimore in Year One, contributing to GEHA’s national goal to impact 2,500 individuals in 12 cities by the end of 2024. Recipients of the program have been pre-selected by the Y in Central Maryland.
• Access to the Program: The program will support aquatic safety and swimming efforts through the next year. Each Learn to Swim Program participant will receive a free two-month family membership to The Y in Central Maryland.
• Addressing Barriers to Participation: To address access issues that affect health, each student will receive a new swim towel featuring the program’s logo and a gender-appropriate swimsuit. New swimsuits were provided via a GEHA employee donation drive and donations from Under Armour.
• Program Kickoff Press Event: To celebrate the kickoff of the Learn to Swim program, representatives from all key organizations will be on-site at the Y in Druid Hill to speak to the importance of water safety and the collaborative swim equity efforts.

WHO:  Interview opportunities are available with:

• Raj Vavilala, GEHA, Chief Sales, Marketing and Product Officer
• Charlie Kirksey, GEHA, Vice President, Sales and Strategic Partnerships
• Heather Darney, Baltimore Ravens, Vice President, Community Relations and Executive Director, Ravens Foundation
• John Hoey, The Y in Central Maryland, President and CEO

Additional photo opportunities will be available with the Ravens’ Cheer and team mascot, Poe.

WHERE:  The Y in Druid Hill (The Y in Central Maryland): 1609 Druid Hill Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217

WHEN:

• Date: Tuesday, 8/20/2024
• Time: 2 – 3 p.m. Eastern time

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Lisa Chism (GEHA) / Lisa.Chism@geha.com / 816.434.4560, x3110
Regan Sullivan (MERGE) / rsullivan@mergeworld.com / 469.288.1803

FOR MORE INFO:   Visit geha.com/LearntoSwim or baltimoreravens.com/community/programs