This week, I had the honor of visiting the Park School of Baltimore as their 2017-2018 Resident Scholar. Each year for more than 30 years, the Park School Parents’ Association invites a Resident Scholar to address the Upper School student body. Leaders from the fields of science, politics, music, and literature – including Ta-Nehisi Coates and April Ryan – have visited the Park School as Scholars. 

Nearly four years ago, I was given the profound honor and privilege of serving as the Baltimore City Health Commissioner. Every day since then, under the leadership of Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and then Mayor Catherine Pugh, I’ve served alongside the most dedicated public servants I’ve ever known, joined in a common mission to combat disparities and improve health and well-being in Baltimore. I have often said that I have my dream job. It has been a dream come true to work with all of you. Together, we have accomplished so much: we’ve saved nearly 3,000 lives from opioid overdose; reduced infant mortality to record lows; provided glasses for all children who need them; treated violence and racism as public health crises; and convened all sectors to improve community well-being.

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.