Recent News

"Baltimore Restaurants Soon Forced To Post Health Ratings In Window" (WJZ-TV) March 10, 2015

How clean is your favorite restaurant? Soon, you will be able to know. Every restaurant and carry out will have to post its health rating. Derek Valcourt explains those ratings will be right in the front window for everyone to see.

"Caregivers Corner Implemented at City Libraries” (WMAR-ABC2) March 10, 2015

A growing concern among many Baby Boomers is taking on the role of caregiver for their parents, and the Baltimore City Health Department is hoping to ease the tensions. It's teaming up with the city's libraries to offer a "Caregiver Corner" for anyone looking to find information on aging. The implementation of the 'Caregiver Corner' was part of the city's new "Taking Care of Mom and Dad" program initiative. 

Join The Petition - Sign The "Baltimore Statement on Childhood Vaccination"

More than 170 people in the United States have been confirmed to have measles this year, many of whom who had not been vaccinated against the preventable disease. Please take a moment and sign the Baltimore Statement on Childhood Vaccination petition to demonstrate your support in the stand against measles. 

"With Half of the City’s Hypothermia Deaths Involving Alcohol Intoxication,Health Commissioner Issues Warning: Alcohol and Cold Temperatures Do Not Mix And Can Be Deadly"

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D. is reminding Baltimoreans of the dangers of alcohol use during cold weather. Baltimore remains under a Severe Code Blue declaration through 12 p.m. Saturday; the wind chill this evening will be around zero degrees and temperatures are expected to remain dangerously cold through approximately lunchtime on Saturday.  There have been 8 deaths in Baltimore due to hypothermia this season and 31 statewide. Alcohol intoxication was a contributing factor in half of the deaths in Baltimore.  “Drinking alcohol can be life-threatening for individuals in temperatures that are this low,” Dr. Wen said.  

"Baltimore City Health Department extends Code Blue through Saturday" (WMAR - ABC2) March 5,2015

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Lena Wen has declared a severe Code Blue through 12 p.m. Saturday. As part of this effort, city officials are opening an additional shelter at the War Memorial Building.  The shelter will be in from 6 p.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday, and from 6 p.m. Friday through 10 a.m. Saturday.      

You Are Where You Eat!

Everyone’s heard the idea “you are what you eat”.  But what about “you are where you eat”? In Baltimore, you can go blocks before finding fresh fruit, let alone fresh vegetables.  This is particularly true in low-income areas.  Many other cities see the same trend.

Baltimarket and Food Access, Baltimore City Health Department

It Takes A Community To Stop Dating Violence

Domestic Violence is a serious public health problem that often starts in adolescence.  In understanding adolescent development, we know that adolescents often develop behavioral norms by observing acceptable behaviors, consequences or reactions of those close to them. Once looked at as acceptable behavior, teen dating violence is beginning to gain national attention as an issue that must be addressed early in a child’s development.

"Direct Connection - Overdose Prevention" (Maryland Public Television) March 2, 2015

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen joined Jeff Salkin on Maryland Public Television's "Direct Connection" us highlight the heroin overdose prevention issues in Maryland in light of the Governor's announcement this week.

"Baltimore City Health Commissioner Calls Increasing Cost Of Naloxone a “Public Health Crisis”; Issues Support For Inquiry Launched By Representative Cummings"

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D. today applauded two congressional leaders, including Maryland Representative Elijah E. Cummings, for their inquiry into increasing prices charged by one manufacturer of naloxone. Increasing the availability of naloxone, a medication used to safely reverse opioid overdoses, is a key component of Baltimore’s strategy to combat overdose deaths.

"Cold temperatures, frozen pipes force closings of 5 Baltimore restaurants in 10 days" (Baltimore Business Journal) March 2, 2015

Frozen pipes during a recent bout of extreme cold have not only caused problems for Baltimore City residents; they have also meant temporary closings for some of the city's restaurants. Health codes stipulate that any business that serves food must have hot and cold running water. The Baltimore City Health Department closed five food service businesses that were without hot and/or cold running water between Feb. 17 and 27.

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