Health Commissioner Says State Report Reinforces Need For Aggressive Response To Combat Overdose Deaths In Baltimore

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A new report detailing drug and alcohol-related intoxication deaths in Maryland reinforces the need for Baltimore to take measures, many of which are newly underway, to aggressively prevent overdose deaths in the city. The report, released today by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, shows a 23 percent increase in drug and alcohol overdose deaths in Baltimore City.  “More people are dying from overdoses than from homicides in our city,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen. “It’s a public health crisis to have people dying from a preventable illness.”

Related Stories

Baltimore City Health Department Extends Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Through Tuesday, August 6

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, August 5, 2024) — An extension to the current Code Red Extreme Heat alert is in effect through Tuesday, August 6, following the alarming number of residents without power due to recent severe weather conditions.    

 

 

Additional Cooling Centers Added in Response to Escalating Heat Index for Tuesday, July 16

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, July 15, 2024) — As temperatures continue to rise and the heat index escalates, Baltimore City remains under a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Wednesday, July 17. With the heat index expected to exceed 110 degrees on Tuesday, July 16, additional cooling centers will be available across the City for those seeking to escape the heat.The following are the additional cooling centers added for Tuesday, July 16: 

 

 

Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Declared for Sunday, July 14th through Wednesday, July 17th

BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, July 12, 2024) —With temperatures again rising in the Baltimore region and the heat index forecasted to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit Sunday through Wednesday of next week, the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga has declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Sunday, July 14th through Wednesday, July 17th. The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to the human body.