MEMBERS OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY INC., WITH, AMONG OTHERS, CHIEF AMERA GILCHRIST (THIRD FROM LEFT).
On Oct. 4, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter, hosted a special event to honor the remarkable contributions of the Freedom House Ambulance Service.
As each attendee arrived, warm greetings were exchanged, reflecting the camaraderie and respect among the group.
The event brought together Freedom House Ambulance Service paramedics, Chief Amera Gilchrist and Philip Hallen in recognition of their pioneering work.
Former paramedics were honored, like George McCary, Chief John Moon and Larry Underwood.
Freedom House Ambulance Service was established in 1967 and is widely recognized as the foundational model for today’s emergency medical services. It served residents of the Hill District and was staffed entirely by African Americans. The program received its initial funding from the Falk Fund, spearheaded by Hallen. Dr. Peter Safer and Dr. Nancy Caroline offered the essential medical guidance for emergency medical practice.
PITTSBURGH EMS CHIEF AMERA GILCHRIST
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter, presented trophies to Freedom House paramedics and Chief Gilchrist. It was part of the sorority’s international initiative, “Uplift Our Local Community.” Chief Gilchrist is the first Black woman to serve as Chief of EMS in Pittsburgh. She was sworn-in as chief in May 2023.
“This event not only celebrated the groundbreaking work of the Freedom House Ambulance Serivce, but also honored the exceptional leadership of Chief Amera Gilchrist,” Dr. Emma Lucas-Darby, with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter, said in a statement provided to the New Pittsburgh Courier. “Her achievements have set new standards for excellence within Pittsburgh’s EMS, furthering the legacy of innovation and service first established by Freedom House.”