By: Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, BCHD Chief Medical Officer and Assistant Commissioner for Clinical Services

Where in Baltimore City can you receive a free HIV test, and be connected to clinical care the same day?

When a patient is diagnosed with syphilis, who can engage the community and contact partners, to make sure they are also treated?

Family Planning Services? Check. Immunizations for Children?  Check. Dental care, tuberculosis treatment, even an on-site full service Laboratory? Check, check, check!

The Baltimore City Health Department Bureau of Clinical Services does it all!

Serving over 30,000 patients a year seeking testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, BCHD provides a vital service for the community and keeps people from needing to go to emergency departments and urgent care clinics. Our top-notch clinical providers are theproviders of choice for over 400 Baltimore City residents living with HIV, because of the comprehensive social services and high quality clinical care provided.

Not to mention, our work is cutting edge!  Dr. Oluwaseun Falade-Nwulia, Medical Director for the HIV Early Intervention Initiative at BCHD, has pioneered expanded screening, treatment and linkage to care for Hepatitis C, in an exciting partnership with Johns Hopkins University, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and others. In 2013 this initiative was highlighted at a special forum at the White House, and is helping to address an unmet healthcare need for Hepatitis C in Baltimore City.

“The health department clinics are a huge part of the Baltimore community and have served as a source of care to generations of Baltimoreans. It’s such a privilege to be part of a team that makes a difference to individuals’ lives every single day!” says Dr. Falade-Nwulia.

For more information about the BCHD Clinics, please visit us online or call 410-396-4448.The clinics serve Baltimore’s most vulnerable citizens who may not otherwise seek or have access to such comprehensive services.  As we look forward to celebrating National Public Health Week April 6th– 12th, let’s congratulate all the dedicated staff at the BCHD clinics.  Keep up the great work!