Recent News

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. 

Baltimore's Health Commissioner issues Code Red for Labor Day & Tuesday (WBFF)

With temperatures in Baltimore this Labor Day and a heat index expected to go over 100 degrees Fahrenheit Monday and Tuesday, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has issued a Code Red extreme heat alert for Labor Day and Tuesday, September 4.

The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity. It indicates how hot it feels to the human body. Dr Wen says, "As Baltimore continues to experience very high temperatures this week, all residents should take precautions to protect against hyperthermia and dehydration. 

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Leana WenCode Red

Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Issued For Labor Day, Tuesday (WJZ)

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has issued a code red heat advisory for Labor Day. The heat advisory is for Monday and Tuesday as the heat index is expected to be over 100 degrees.

Watch the video or read the entire story.

Leana WenCode Red

Commentary: Breastfeeding Gets Personal For Public Health Advocate (NPR)

When my son, Eli, was born a year ago, it was a given that I would breastfeed him. 

During medical school, I learned that breastfeeding bolsters a baby's immune system, reduces infant mortality and improves the mother's long-term health. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for a year, and I was committed to making it work.

Read entire story here.

Leana Wen

Baltimore Observes International Overdose Awareness Day (WJZ)

International Overdose Awareness Day had cities all over the world, including Baltimore, struggling to save lives and fight addiction.

In 2017, more than 72,000 people died of overdoses in the U.S., or nearly 200 people a day.

Watch the video or read the entire story.

opioids

Note From The Commissioner: Celebrating Dedicated Public Servants

I was delighted to celebrate our accomplishments and review our priorities at the Baltimore City Health Department’s annual All-Staff Meeting. I am so proud to work with the incredible women and men of our Health Department and our partners. It is your work that made us the 2018 National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) Local Health Department of the Year. I want to commend you, congratulate you, and thank you for working so hard to promote health and wellbeing in Baltimore City. As Mayor Catherine Pugh said in her thanks to our team, in every way, we are working at the frontlines to bring core services to our fellow residents.

Leana Wen

Congressman Elijah Cummings, Mayor Catherine Pugh and Dr. Leana Wen Commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day

BALTIMORE, MD (August 31, 2018) —Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, Mayor Catherine E. Pugh, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana S. Wen, and community leaders observed International Overdose Awareness Day at Baltimore City Hall. 

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