Recent News

Maryland House passes bill, named for lawmaker's slain grandson, to expand Safe Streets anti-violence program (Baltimore Sun)

The Maryland House of Delegates on Friday passed a bill to fund the expansion of Safe Streets, an anti-violence program that has reduced shootings and homicides in some Baltimore neighborhoods.

Read the entire story.

Safe Streets

Wen: State needs to follow Baltimore City, pass bill on healthy drinks for kids (WEAA)

Dr. Wen talks to WEAA about the healthy drinks bill and other issues - including state protections for the Affordable Care Act.

Listen to the interview here.

Leana Wen

A Baltimore Bill Would Change The Beverages Served With Kids' Meals (Forbes)

B'more is the nickname for Baltimore. But if this bill is signed into law, there may be less sugary drinks with kids' meals.

To read the entire article, click here.

Leana Wen

Dr. Wen on WYPR's Midday Healthwatch

Dr. Wen was interviewed on WYPR's Midday Healthwatch, where she talked about some of the key legislative battles being waged over public health policy, and addressed listeners' comments and questions.

Listen to the full interview.

Leana WenAffordable Care Actopioidsnaloxone

City Council Confirms De Sousa and Bans Sugary Drinks (WYPR)

WYPR’s City Hall Reporter Dominique Maria Bonessi talks with Morning Edition Host, Nathan Sterner, about witnessing the vote and other measures that would ban various things in the city.

Listen to entire segment.

Leana Wen

The wrong approach to Maryland's opioid overdose epidemic (The Baltimore Sun)

"Research shows that naloxone distribution reduces fatal overdoses without increasing drug use. People who use drugs do not want to die, nor do they want to suffer through the pain of being revived with naloxone. Denying someone naloxone because it might make him use drugs is just as absurd as withholding an Epi-Pen because it might make someone eat more peanuts," said Dr. Wen.

To read the entire article, click here.

Leana Wen

Sugary drinks are causing chronic illnesses — we need policy changes to combat them (The Hill)

"Numerous studies have shown that regular consumption of sugary drinks is a major factor in childhood obesity, promoting public health officials to call for eliminating these empty calories as the single biggest lifestyle change parents and children can make," said Dr. Wen.

To read the full story, click here.

Leana Wen

City moves to remove sugary drinks from kids' menu (ABC 2 News)

In it's second reading the Baltimore City Council unanimously voted Monday for the Healthy Kids’ Meal Bill (17-0152). The bill sponsored by Councilmember Brandon Scott would make water, milk and 100% fruit juice and sparkling water the default beverage options for all restaurants kids’ meals in the city of Baltimore at no extra charge.

Read the entire article.

Leana Wen

Experts: Opioid Problem Difficult but Solvable (MedPage Today)

Healthcare professionals can improve patient screening for opioid abuse and better identify patients with opioid use disorder, experts said here Friday, recognizing that these efforts will be difficult. 

"It's so frustrating because we know what works," said Dr. Leana Wen. "It's so easy, I cannot understand why we don't do it more ... We are rationing Narcan."

Read the entire story.

Leana Wenopioidsnaloxone

Baltimore City Council should pass bill banning sugary drinks from kids' menus (Baltimore Sun)

Pastor Kevin A. Slayton Sr. shares his opinion on why sugary drinks bill should pass.

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