On Saturday, I joined the 2018 Baltimore Women’s March. Following the rousing speeches by Mayor Pugh and Senators Cardin and Van Hollen, I spoke about why I was at the March. I was there for my patient, Sara, a 28-year old born with a heart defect who could not get health insurance because of her pre-existing condition. She couldn’t pay for her medications. One day, she went into heart failure. By the time she came to the ER, her heart had stopped beating and she wasn’t breathing. We did everything we could, but her heart never beat again.

I marched because healthcare should be a human right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. The Affordable Care Act enabled millions of Americans to have health insurance, including 40,000 Baltimoreans. We cannot take away health insurance and knowingly cause suffering for our children, families, and seniors.

I also marched for immigrants. I am an immigrant myself – when I was eight years old, my parents and I came to the United States. We were granted political asylum. We were lucky. I don’t know where I would be if our country’s policies were different, but I certainly wouldn’t be here as a doctor and as the Baltimore City Health Commissioner. I marched for my son, Eli, and for all of our children, because we cannot have our children grow up in a society that denies science, climate change, or the basic human values of dignity and compassion.

The Baltimore City Health Department has never taken a back seat to addressing these difficult societal challenges that impact health. My team and I are committed to serving the most vulnerable and to meeting people where they are. We’ve made great progress, but many challenges remain in 2018. Today, tomorrow, and every day, let us continue to do the important work of improving the health and well-being of all of our residents.

Sincerely,

Leana Wen, M.D., M.Sc.

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