For National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Howard County is illuminating libraries and fire stations with a pink glow.

Howard County firefighters and paramedics will also wear pink during October to show support for those who have breast cancer and to raise awareness about the issue

“It is imperative that we continue to fight this deadly disease that affects the lives of so many,” said Howard County Executive Ken Ulman in a statement, adding: "especially in our state, as Maryland ranks fifth in the nation for breast cancer mortality rates."

The Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation began distributing pink materials like visors to recognize survivors of breast cancer at its events starting in the 1990s, according to Pink Ribbon International, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer.

The color has stuck. Counties across Maryland are lighting landmarks pink during October; see them on the Light Maryland Pink map, compiled by the Susan G. Komen Foundation.