Recent News

Note From The Commissioner: Looking into the New Year

Jan 5th, 2018

As we enter the New Year, I am thankful to continue my service to the City of Baltimore with the support of an exceptional team and under the leadership of Mayor Catherine Pugh. Every day, I feel fortunate to have a job I love and to work with people who understand how health is integrally tied to social justice and the future of our communities.

We’ve made numerous public health advancements. Baltimore City launched one of the most aggressive overdose prevention programs in the country, including my issuing a blanket prescription for the antidote, naloxone, to every resident in our city. This determined approach has resulted in more than 1,500 lives being saved by our fellow Baltimoreans—by our neighbors, family, and friends. Our outreach teams are on the streets every day to train residents on how we can all save a life.

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Health Commissioner Dr. Wen Declares Code Blue Alert Extension until Saturday, January 6, 2018

Jan 1st, 2018

BALTIMORE, MD (January 1, 2018) — Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen extended a Code Blue declaration for Baltimore City through the morning of Saturday, January 6.

Leana Wen

Health Commissioner Dr. Wen Declares Code Blue Alert Extension until Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Dec 27th, 2017

BALTIMORE, MD (December 27, 2017) — With continuing overnight temperatures predicted to fall into the teens with wind chill temperatures in the single digits, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen extended a Code Blue declaration for Baltimore City through the morning of Tuesday, January 2.

Health Commissioner Dr. Wen Declares Code Blue Alert in Baltimore Beginning Christmas night into Thursday

Dec 25th, 2017

BALTIMORE, MD (December 25, 2017) — With overnight temperatures predicted to fall into the 20s with wind chill temperatures in the teens, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen today issued a Code Blue declaration for Baltimore City beginning Monday, December 25 through the morning of Thursday, December 28.  

Note From The Commissioner: Prescription Affordability

Dec 22nd, 2017

Two months ago, Maryland became the first state in the country to pass legislation banning price gouging by manufacturers of generic and off-patent drugs. This is landmark legislation. However, much more needs to be done.

On Wednesday, I endorsed the Prescription Drug Affordability Initiative at a press conference organized by Maryland Health Care for All. Drug makers talk about the importance of innovation, and while we encourage research and development, physicians, patients, and family members have a right to know why medications are priced as they are. We have a right to know why medications that used to be affordable are no longer. We have a right to know about alternatives that may cost a lot less, but are just as effective. We have a right to transparent and accurate information, and a right to affordable healthcare.

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Life expectancy fell for second consecutive year in 2016 due to opioid crisis (ThinkProgress)

Dec 21st, 2017

The life expectancy declined in 2016 for a second consecutive year, and this was largely driven by the country’s drug crisis. And yet, the federal response to this epidemic has been dismal. 

“We have received no additional funding and no sign of additional funding coming our way,” Baltimore City Health Department Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen told ThinkProgress.“

Read the entire story.

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Baltimore health commissioner says businesses can help with opioid epidemic (Baltimore Sun)

Dec 19th, 2017

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana S. Wen told business leaders Tuesday that they can play a role in fighting the opioid epidemic and offered examples of how they can help.

Read the entire story.

Leana Wenopioidsnaloxone

What happens to learning when students get much-needed glasses (PBS Newshour)

Dec 19th, 2017

Good vision care is a luxury for families who can’t easily afford the time or money spent getting a child’s first pair of glasses. But a new program called Vision for Baltimore called provides eye exams and two pairs of glasses to every student who needs them, totally free of charge -- a simple thing that can dramatically improve the quality of their education.

Watch the full video here.

Leana WenVision for Baltimore

Public Health Heroes: BCHD’s innovative approach to HIV prevention and linkage to treatment

Dec 15th, 2017

Baltimore has a long history of being hit hard by the HIV epidemic. Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) has had an active HIV prevention outreach program since 2004, including HIV testing in communities at risk of HIV, ensuring those who are HIV positive are in medical care (referred to as linkage to care),  and educating the community on behavior change, such as abstinence and condom use.

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Note From The Commissioner: Remembering Our Colleague

Dec 15th, 2017

This week, the Baltimore City Health Department mourns the loss of our dear colleague, friend, and dedicated public servant, Phyllis Burnett.

There is so much I can say about her career of exceptional service in public health. Phyllis served as a CDC Public Health Advisor for 35 years. She has been with the Health Department for 15 years, where she developed and supervised the Community Outreach Program and Partner Service Program. Her outstanding work here has been featured nationally, in numerous conferences and presentations.

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