Prince George’s County officials raised a rainbow Pride flag at their main government building in Largo, Maryland, using the ceremony to stress health equity for the area’s LGBTQ+ residents. County health officer Dr. Toyin Opesanmi pointed to the county’s HIV
A rainbow Pride flag went up Tuesday at Prince George’s County’s main government building in Largo, Maryland, and officials framed the moment as more than a nod to Pride Month.
County health officer Dr. Toyin Opesanmi said the flag-raising was a reminder that “creating healthy communities means ensuring that everyone has access to the care, support and resources they need to thrive.”
Opesanmi linked that message directly to the way the county’s health department delivers services, describing its mission to provide “compassionate, confident, confidential, and culturally responsive services that help individuals protect their health and well-being.”
She pointed to the county’s HIV program as one example of what the department offers: free and confidential testing, prevention education, linkage to care, treatment, case management support and access to prevention tools.
Opesanmi also said the health department works with community partners to reduce stigma and connect residents to resources, adding that staff are “committed to meeting people where they are.”
County Executive Aisha Braveboy and members of the county council were on hand for the ceremony. Opesanmi called the event “more than a celebration. ” describing it as a chance to reaffirm the county’s commitment to health equity and to ensuring that every resident “feels seen. valued. respected and supported.”.
She also said health outcomes improve when communities are inclusive, welcoming and connected to resources.
Prince George’s County Maryland Pride flag LGBTQ+ health equity HIV program Dr. Toyin Opesanmi Aisha Braveboy health department Largo
Pride flag at the courthouse??
I mean good for them I guess. But why is this always tied to HIV like it’s the only thing people think about? Still, free testing is free testing.
So they put up a rainbow flag and suddenly health equity happens? I’m not saying it doesn’t matter but the county already had healthcare programs… maybe this is just PR. Also “confidential” doesn’t mean much if everyone in the county knows your business anyway.
I read “health equity” and my brain went straight to wait times and costs, not a flag ceremony. Like are they fixing the clinics or just making speeches at Largo? I hope they’re actually linking people to care because that part always sounds nice and then nothing moves. Also Dr. Opesanmi sounds very formal, like she’s saying “inclusive” but I’ve seen how some departments act with folks who are different.