Recent News

Congress is on the verge of a bipartisan opioid package. But experts have big concerns. (Vox)

Sep 12th, 2018

The Senate this week is expected to vote on a legislative package that will take an array of actions to curb the opioid epidemic, the deadliest drug overdose crisis in US history.

If you hear senators describe it, the legislation, dubbed the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018, is a big breakthrough that will boost access to addiction treatment and many other interventions to mitigate the opioid epidemic, from law enforcement efforts against illicit drugs to combating the overprescription of opioids. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), who oversees the Senate health committee, noted that the legislation “represents the work of over 70 senators, five committees, and countless staff who have worked together to help put an end to the opioid epidemic ravaging virtually every American community.” 

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We must provide sustained funding proportional to the severity of the opioid epidemic (The Hill)

Sep 9th, 2018

In her op-ed, Dr. Leana Wen explores three obstacles stopping the full realization of Baltimore's three-pillar strategy to combat the opioid epidemic, and preventing the end of it in Baltimore — and nationwide.

The opioid crisis is the deadliest epidemic in U.S. history. In 2017, nearly 50,000 individuals across the U.S. died from an overdose involving opioids. In my city of Baltimore, 761 people died. Those are mothers not coming home for dinner. Students not graduating from college. And grandparents missing birthdays. They are the human cost of overdose deaths. Yet, disturbingly, we have not reached the peak of this public health emergency. A new study tells an apocalyptic story — 510,000 dead in the U.S. from an opioid overdose in the next decade.

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Note From the Commissioner: International Overdose Awareness Day

Sep 7th, 2018

Last Friday marked

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The Home Base of Health (U.S. News & World Report)

Sep 7th, 2018

Substandard housing conditions have been linked to higher rates of infectious disease, chronic illnesses and injuries, but millions of low-income Americans have little choice about where they live.

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Breastfeeding: get over it (The Daily Campus)

Sep 7th, 2018

There has been a long standing stigma surrounding the topic of breastfeeding in public. People, most often men, have found this to be too tantalizing, sexual and overall distracting for them to go about their daily lives. Breastfeeding is a natural occurrence. It is a mother feeding her baby breakfast, lunch or dinner. Most people wouldn’t respond well if they were approached when eating and told that the way they were eating was too sexual or distracting and that they should eat somewhere “more private.” This is just a fraction of the nonsense people put breastfeeding mothers through.

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How Can It Be National Wellness Month When There is an Opioid Crisis? (The Afro)

Sep 6th, 2018

In their op-ed, Kevin Daniels and Anthony Estreet focus on the gravity of the opioid epidemic and the need for more action.

"According to Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore City Health Commissioner, “Even with interventions in place, we have not even seen where the peak of the epidemic is going to be and there appears to be no end in sight – we don’t know how much worse the problem is going to get.” We are clearly in a state of emergency."

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Drug users will be given free needles in Merced under new program (Merced Sun-Star)

Sep 5th, 2018

A program in Merced will soon provide clean needles to drug users in an attempt to reduce the transfer of diseases, according to doctors.

Needle-exchange programs have shown some success. When Baltimore’s program launched more than 20 years ago, 63 percent of those with HIV were IV drug users. By 2014, the only 7 percent were IV drug users, contributing to one of the nation’s largest drops in new HIV cases, according to the Baltimore Sun.

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Health Commissioner Declares Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Thursday

Sep 4th, 2018

BALTIMORE, MD (September 4, 2018) – With continued high temperatures in the Baltimore region and a heat index expected to reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit Wednesday and Thursday, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has extended the previously announced Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Thursday, September 6.

Code red extreme heat alert issued through Thursday (WBAL)

Sep 4th, 2018

A code red extreme heat alert has been issued for Monday through Thursday as temperatures are expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, officials said.

"As Baltimore continues to experience very high temperatures this week, all residents should take precautions to protect against hyperthermia and dehydration," Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said. "Heat is a silent killer and a public health threat, particularly for the young, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions. I urge everyone stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay in touch with your neighbors, especially seniors and medically frail individuals who live alone."

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Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Issued Through Thursday (WJZ)

Sep 4th, 2018

Baltimore is under an extreme heat alert through Thursday as temperatures are expected to feel in the 100's. 

Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen declared the Code Red after reports of a heat index of 105 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday.

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