Recent News

Ending Health Care Discrimination (Fusion)

File Ending Health Care Discrimination

Fusion, a multi-platform media network, recently published a new video highlighting Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen and her ongoing efforts to change the way we view health in our city.

Finding answers to heroin deaths a key to prevention (Cincinati Enquirer)

BALTIMORE - Once a month, a team of high-level officials looks at every overdose fatality and the path that each individual took that led to death.

The Baltimore Overdose Fatality Review Team's goal: Identify missed opportunities for prevention, gaps in the system and areas for increased collaboration.

"We have high-level representatives from police, fire, health, behavioral health, SUD (substance use disorders) providers, the coroner's office parole and probation, hospital emergency departments, social services, pharmacy, office of the public defender, states attorney’s office, Maryland Poison Control, and our chief medical officer," said Adrienne Breidenstine, spokeswoman for Behavioral Health System Baltimore.

Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Future’s 25th Anniversary Event

On Monday, Dr. Wen joined Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore City Comptroller Joan Pratt, Arlington Middle and Elementary School Principal Emily Hunter, representatives from Colgate Dr. Marsha Butler and Dawna Fields, and Ravens Wide Receiver Steve Smith Sr. to celebrate Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Future 25th anniversary. Baltimore City Public Schools partners with Colgate to ensure that hundreds of students have access to oral cancer and cavity screenings provided on a mobile van. The program also teaches children the importance of dental hygiene.

Baltimore City Experiences Record Low Infant Mortality Rate in 2015

BALTIMORE, MD (October 5, 2016) – Baltimore City health officials announced Wednesday that in 2015, Baltimore City experienced the lowest infant mortality rate on record: 8.4 per 1,000 live births—a 19 percent decline from 2014. The previous low of 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births was recorded in 2012.

Field Health Services Transportation Vendor Experiencing Technical Difficulties

Field Health Services's transportation vendor is experiencing technical difficulties. As such, there may be a delay for clients when requesting ride updates and estimated times of arrivals.

Baltimore City Announces $500,000 Grant for Hospital-Based Violence Interrupters

BALTIMORE, Md. (September 29, 2016)—The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) today announced that the agency has been awarded a $500,000 grant by the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to support the planning and implementation of a comprehensive hospital-based community violence intervention program.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Commends Congress for Allocating Funding to Prevent Spread of Zika Virus

BALTIMORE, MD (September 29, 2016) – Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement in response to Congress’ decision to provide funding to combat the Zika virus as a part of a short-term spending bill passed last night.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Honored by American Public Health Association for Local Health Innovation

BALTIMORE, Md. (September 28, 2016) – Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen was announced as a recipient of the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Milton and Ruth Roemer Prize for Creative Local Public Health Work, an annual award bestowed upon a local health officer in recognition of outstanding creative and innovative public health work. 

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Issues Statement in Response to Increase in Fentanyl Deaths in Baltimore City

BALTIMORE, Md. (September 23, 2016) – Today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement in response to new data released by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene showing an increase in fatal overdoses statewide. Preliminary data show that there were 290 fatal overdoses in Baltimore City during the first half of 2016, compared to 188 during the same time period last year.

Baltimore City Health Department Recognized As HealthyCommunity50 Member In Healthiest Cities And Counties Challenge

Baltimore, MD (September 21, 2016) —Today, Baltimore City was selected as one of 50 members of the HealthyCommunity50 in the Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge. By participating in the Challenge, Baltimore City will receive a $10,000 community seed award and is in the running to receive a prize that will further development of local programming.

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