Recent News

Baltimore Health Officials Call on City Council to Pass Legislation to Educate Residents about the Dangers of Sugary Drinks

BALTIMORE, MD (June 7, 2016)– Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen joined community advocates today to call on the Baltimore City Council to pass legislation to require warning labels for sugar-sweetened beverages on advertisements, restaurant menus, and in any point of sale in the city where these products are sold during a hearing of the Council’s Health Committee. Sugar-sweetened beverages contain added caloric sweetener, such as soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, most juices, sweetened coffee drinks, sweetened teas, etc.

City leaders Meet with Obama Officials to Discuss 'Social Entrepreneurship' (Baltimore Sun)

A broad cross section of Baltimore leaders met with Obama administration officials on Monday to discuss how to expand "social entrepreneurship" as one solution to the deep societal problems underpi

Fight for Your Right for Veggies!

What social justice issues are related to food?  If you created a Baltimore that was “food just”, what would it look like? Nearly 100 residents came to the recent Baltimore Food Justice Forum to discuss these very questions. The answers were compelling.  One person wrote, “adequate quality and affordability of produce.” Another simply wrote, “equal access to food in every Baltimore neighborhood”.

Food Justice Forum Baltimore City Health Department

Dr. Leana Wen: Letter to the Zika Conference Committee (June 2, 2016)

TO:                Members of the Zika Conference Committee
FROM:          Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore City Health Commissioner
RE:                 Local Jurisdictions Need Emergency Funding to Respond to the Zika Virus

Medicaid May Pay for Prescription Bug Repellent to Combat Zika (NOLA)

State Medicaid programs now have approval to pay for prescription mosquito repellent to prevent the spread of the Zika

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Commends New Guidelines on Medicaid Reimbursements to Combat Zika Virus

BALTIMORE, MD (June 2, 2016)–Today Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement following the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ guidance clarifying the availability of Medicaid funds for the prevention, detection, and response to the Zika Virus:

Baltimore Considering Warning Labels for Sugary Drinks (FOX)

BALTIMORE (WBFF) - Baltimore could become the second jurisdiction in the country to require warning labels for sugar-sweetened beverages.

Bmore Healthy Newsletter: Friday, May 27, 2016

Note from Commissioner

Dear Community Partner,

The Critical Role of Animal Control (Baltimore Sun)

It is 5 a.m. on a residential street in West Baltimore. An arrest warrant is being served on a suspected felon.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Urges Caution as Code Orange Air Quality Issued

BALTIMORE, MD (May 26, 2016)– With a heat index of 84 degrees and unhealthy air quality expected today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen is urging caution for Baltimore City residents, especially members of “sensitive groups.”

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