BALTIMORE, MD (November 3, 2015)– Today Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen announced the appointment of Kathleen Westcoat as the new President/CEO of Behavioral Health Systems Baltimore (BHSB). She will succeed Acting Interim CEO and Director of Information, Planning and Development Crista Taylor as the top executive for Baltimore’s behavioral health authority, effective December 1st, 2015.

“Kathleen has demonstrated a deep appreciation and love for our city, and will lead the charge as we seek to deliver critical care to those most in need,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “Under her leadership, we look forward to making significant strides in behavioral health in Baltimore.”

A City Council Committee passed legislation that would put people behind bars for possessing dog fighting paraphernalia.

BALTIMORE, Md. (October 28, 2015)— Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen joined with federal officials today to announce $1.5 million in new federal grants focused on violence prevention efforts in Baltimore City.

“Changing our city’s culture of violence requires more than efforts from our Police Department,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “We truly need a community-wide approach, and these grants targeted at supporting the anti-violence efforts of our Health Department reflect that approach.”