Recent News

"CVS Health to Rebuild Stores Burned in Baltimore Riots" (NBCNews.com) May 6, 2015

Pharmacy giant CVS Health announced Wednesday it will rebuild two store locations badly burned during protests in Baltimore last week in response to the death of Freddie Gray. Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen welcomed the news, saying "hundreds, if not thousands" of residents had been affected by the closures of the CVSes and other neighboring pharmacies.

"Unrest In West Baltimore Puts Elderly And Sick At Additional Risk" (NPR Morning Edition) May 7, 2015

It's been more than a week since rioting over Freddie Gray's death closed many businesses. Several pharmacies are still not open — leaving the sick and elderly with chronic conditions vulnerable.

"Unrest in Baltimore: The Role of Public Health" (JAMA) May 7, 2015

Baltimore's unrest has captured the nation's attention, but while the immediate crisis that was visible on the streets is over, the public health work on Baltimore’s recovery and healing continues. There is also renewed attention to underlying health disparities and inequalities, including the contribution of the heroin epidemic and substance addiction. Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen co-authored an editorial in the May 7th issue of JAMA, "Unrest in Baltimore: The Role of Public Health."

“The Other Stories from Baltimore’s Unrest”

Over the last week, Baltimore’s unrest has captured the nation’s attention. Images of burning cars, the sounds of angry protesters and peace rallies have dominated the airwaves and headlines. As the city’s health commissioner, I heard other stories. I spoke with a 62-year-old woman who had a heart attack a year ago and who had stopped taking her blood pressure and blood-thinning medications. Her pharmacy was one of the dozen that burned down, and neither she nor the other people in her senior housing building could figure out where to get their prescriptions filled. 

Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen

Wellmobile Parked In Penn-North Community To Assist Residents As Recovery Continues

The University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing Governor’s Wellmobile will be parked at the corner of North Avenue and Fulton Avenue in the city’s Penn-North community today through Friday May 8th from 11am to 5pm each day.  The Wellmobile will be staffed by volunteers from the University of Maryland Baltimore as well as staff from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods and the Baltimore City Health Department.

"Dr Leana Wen on City's health services" (WBAL-TV) May 3, 2015

Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen was interviewed on WBAL-TV discussing how the Health Department is helping citizens in need of assistance with prescriptions, mental health counseling and other services as a result of the recent civil unrest.

"Public Health In Baltimore After The Unrest" (WYPR) May 5, 2015

The looting and destruction of the CVS pharmacy at North and Pennsylvania avenues became one of the indelible images of the unrest last week. It will also have a lasting impact on the Penn-North neighborhood. Residents who need prescriptions filled have had to find somewhere else to go. Baltimore’s Health Department has been aiding residents in locating new pharmacies and overseeing public health efforts post-unrest. With Sheilah to talk about it is Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore City’s Health Commissioner.

Mayor, Health Commissioner deliver medication to customers affected by riots (abc2news)

"The aftermath of 13 looted pharmacies goes well beyond boarded windows and doors. Many throughout Baltimore depend on the stores for the medication."

"13 pharmacies remain closed in Baltimore City following riots, looting and protests" (WMAR-TV) May 2, 2015

Thirteen Baltimore pharmacies remained closed on Sunday according to the Baltimore Health Commissioner. "While the crisis appears to be improving, we are still dealing with a lot of people who need medicine," Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said.

"Baltimore City Health Commissioner goes door to door" (FOX45) May 2, 2015

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen went door-to-door Saturday in Baltimore neighborhoods impacted by violence. The neighborhoods visited by Wen had no open pharmacies. The Baltimore City Health Department is now working to ensure that residents receive their prescriptions.

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