Recent News

"Crime Interrupts A Baltimore Doctor's Reform Efforts" (NPR - All Things Considered) August 7, 2015

Aug 7th, 2015

On a hot, sunny Monday in mid-July, Dr. Leana Wen stood on a sidewalk in West Baltimore flanked by city leaders: Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, interim police commissioner Kevin Davis, Rep. Elijah Cummings. Under a huge billboard with the web address dontdie.org, she proudly unveiled a 10-point plan for tackling the city's heroin epidemic. Wen, the city's health commissioner, said she aims to create a 24/7 treatment center, an emergency room of sorts for substance abuse and mental health. She spoke of targeting those most in need, starting with those in jail.

"Baltimore City and County Health Departments Investigating Possible Measles Case"

Aug 7th, 2015

Today Health Commissioner Dr, Leana Wen announced that Baltimore County and Baltimore City Health Departments are currently investigating a possible, isolated case of measles in a Baltimore County resident who was seen for care at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore City. Upon recognition of a possible measles case, Sinai Hospital staff acted quickly and appropriately to reduce exposures.

"Possible Measles Case Reported in Baltimore County" (Patch.com) August 7, 2015

Aug 7th, 2015

Health officials said Friday that a Baltimore County child who was not vaccinated for the measles is being tested for the highly contagious illness. “This may be a false alarm, and the patient may not have measles,” Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D., said in a statement Friday. A Baltimore baby who was thought to have measles in January ultimately tested negative, authorities noted.

"Case of measles suspected in Baltimore County child" (Baltimore Sun) August 7, 2015

Aug 7th, 2015

Baltimore County and Baltimore City  health departments are investigating a possible case of measles, a highly contagious virus that grabbed headlines earlier in the year because of an outbreak that stemmed from unvaccinated children in Los Angeles. Cases are rare in Maryland, which has high vaccination rates, and officials say the possible case is isolated so far. The child, who was not identified, lives in Baltimore County and is unvaccinated.

"New Legislation Requires Restaurants To Publicly Detail Health Inspection Closures" (WJZ) August 6, 2015

Aug 6th, 2015

Baltimore’s mayor signs legislation on Thursday that requires restaurants to publicly post reason for closures resulting from health inspections. The city inspects roughly 5,000 restaurants a year and only 100 actually get shut down for violations. With this new law you’ll be able to know why.

"Can A 32-Year-Old Doctor Cure Baltimore's Ills?" (NPR) August 6, 2015

Aug 6th, 2015

Neighborhoods in Baltimore are still struggling to recover from the riots that broke out following the funeral of Freddie Gray. In the aftermath of the unrest, we here at NPR spent many hours trying to understand the raw anger on display. We looked at police brutality, economic disparities and housing segregation in Baltimore. Our conversations eventually led us to Leana Wen.

Making Breastfeeding Work In Baltimore City

Aug 6th, 2015

The mission of public health is to reduce health disparities and level the playing field for all to be healthy and well.  And this starts with infancy. We know that breastfeeding is more than a tradition handed down from generation to generation, but is a lifesaving technique.  Breast milk provides baby’s first immunizations, prevents infections and wards off illnesses, reduces infant mortality and increases the emotional bond between mother and child.

Making Breastfeeding Work In Baltimore City

“World Breastfeeding Week” Calls for Greater Workplace Accommodations

Aug 4th, 2015

As part of “World Breastfeeding Week,” the Baltimore City Health Department’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is hosting several events this week to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding. Included are a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Award Ceremony—recognition to local businesses that make special accommodations for breastfeeding employees—and the “Fifth Annual Grand Baby Shower” for pregnant and breastfeeding moms enrolled in the WIC program.

"Response, recover and rebuilding Baltimore" (Baltimore Sun Op-Ed) August 2, 2015

Aug 2nd, 2015

There have been many accounts of the city's response on April 27th and the days following. In this last of my six-column series, I'd like to share the story of the Baltimore City Health Department's immediate response and ongoing recovery efforts.

"Baltimore Health Department Helps Affected Citizens After Riots" (Psychiatric News) July 31,2015

Jul 31st, 2015

In July, Baltimore City health officials and others continued their response to the physical and mental health needs of people affected by the riots and arson following the death in police custody of Freddie Gray. Their work began in the midst of the unrest on the night of April 27, when the Baltimore City Health Department developed a security plan and an operational list of local hospitals, Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D., M.Sc., told Psychiatric News.

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