Recent News

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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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Health Commissioner Declares Code Red Extreme Heat Alert For Tuesday (WBAL Radio)

A Code Red Extreme Heat Alert has been issued for Tuesday with the heat index expected to rise above 100.

The heat index combined both air temperature and relative humidity. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory and it will be in effect from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

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Leana WenCode Red

Baltimore health officials declare 'code red' for Labor Day (WJZ)

Baltimore health officials are declaring a "code red" heat advisory for Labor Day and Tuesday, with temperatures in the 90s and high humidity forecast.

The National Weather Service is forecasting highs in the mid-90s, with uncomfortable levels of humidity making it feel like 100 degrees.

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Leana WenCode Red

Heat To Close Many Baltimore Schools Early On First Day (Patch)

Schools that do not have air-conditioning in Baltimore City will dimiss three hours early on Tuesday, Sept. 4. Officials made the announcement on Monday, Sept. 3, the day before school was to start.

More than 50 schools will be closing three hours early because city school officials say they lack sufficient air-conditioning.

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Leana WenCode Red

State Health Makes Narcan Kits Accessible To First Responders (WJZ)

Baltimore’s health commissioner recently released a figure stating that last year in Baltimore City, 761 people died from an overdose.

Health Commissioner Declares Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Labor Day and Tuesday

BALTIMORE, MD (September 2, 2018) – With high temperatures in the Baltimore region this Labor Day and a heat index expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit Monday and Tuesday, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has issued a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for tomorrow, Monday, September 3 and Tuesday, September 4. 

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