Recent News

"Baltimore reports sleep-related infant deaths continue to tick down" (Baltimore Sun) July 22, 2015

Jul 22nd, 2015

The Baltimore City Health Department reported Wednesday that the number of sleep-related infant deaths continues to tick down since it launched a campaign in 2010 to educate mothers about the proper ways to put babies to bed. “Education is the key to changing behavior to prevent these tragic deaths,” said Dr. Leana Wen, city health commissioner. “That means everyone needs to know the ABCs of Safe Sleep -- that babies should be put to sleep alone, on their backs and in cribs, without exposure to secondhand smoke. No exceptions.”

"Baltimore reports record low 13 sleep-related infant deaths" (WMAR-TV) July 22, 2015

Jul 22nd, 2015

Health officials say there were 13 sleep-related infant deaths in Baltimore last year, a record low for the city. Baltimore City Health Department officials announced Wednesday that the number of deaths is down from a high of 27 deaths reported in 2009. 
 

"Baltimore Reports Record Low Sleep-Related Infant Deaths in 2014"

Jul 21st, 2015

Baltimore saw a record low number (13) of sleep-related infant deaths in 2014, down from a record high of 27 deaths reported in 2009, according to new data from the Baltimore City Health Department.  In Baltimore, the second leading cause of infant mortality is sleep-related infant deaths, behind only complications related to preterm birth and low birth weight.   

"Heroin: A public health emergency" (Baltimore Sun) July 19, 2015

Jul 21st, 2015

As an ER doctor, I have treated hundreds of patients who were dying of heroin overdose, and I know that it is a disease that claims lives. As a family member of loved ones who struggled with addiction, I have seen that heroin isn't just an individual disease; it's a family disease. As a public health official in Baltimore, where an estimated 19,000 of our residents use heroin, I have witnessed how heroin ties into the very fabric of our city; it's a community disease. Read more of Dr. Leana Wen's Baltimore Sun Op-Ed here.

"Baltimore City Health Commissioner Extends Weekend Code Red Heat Advisory to Monday"

Jul 20th, 2015

With the heat index expected to be at 105 degrees tomorrow, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has extended the Code Red Heat Advisory to Monday.  Today (July 19, 2015) the heat index is expected to reach 108.  The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to individuals outside.  

"Health Commissioner’s Statement On Safe Streets East - McElderry Park"

Jul 20th, 2015

The Baltimore City Health Department stands united with the Police Department and with our city, state and federal partners in reducing violence and promoting safety in Baltimore. Operations of the Safe Streets East site in the McElderry Park community have been indefinitely suspended pending further investigation. Safe Streets has a zero-tolerance policy for felony arrests; therefore, the two Safe Street employees allegedly involved have been terminated.

"City Council approves new disclosure of restaurant health violations" (Baltimore Sun) July 20, 2015

Jul 20th, 2015

People dining out in Baltimore will have new access to information about health violations at city restaurants and carryouts under legislation approved Monday by the City Council. Under the legislation, patrons will be able to check the Health Department's website and social media accounts for timely updates on restaurant violations, such as rat infestations or failures to keep meat cool. "We want to have the violations posted in real time, so people can make an informed decision about where they want to eat their meals or obtain their food items," said Dr. Leana Wen,  the city's health commissioner.

"Dr. Wen: Safe Streets Will Continue Despite Arrests" (WBAL Radio) July 19, 2015

Jul 19th, 2015

Baltimore City Health Commissioner says the Safe Streets program will continue despite recent raid of one of the offices that led to the arrest of two employees. Dr. Wen appeared on Sunday's Maryland's News This Week on WBAL NewsRadio 1090.

"Baltimore issues Code Red Heat Advisory for weekend" (WBAL-TV) July 18, 2015

Jul 18th, 2015

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for much of Maryland from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday. Additionally, Baltimore City health officials have issued a Code Red Heat Advisory for Saturday and Sunday with an expected heat index topping 100 degrees. Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen is encouraging people to take precautions when outdoors. "Heat is one of the leading killers for weather-related emergencies. It's really important to stay indoors when possible, drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol and don't leave kids and pets in your cars," Wen said.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Declares Code Red Heat Advisory for Saturday and Sunday

Jul 17th, 2015

Keep Hydrated and Reduce Outside Activity with Artscape Festivities.

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