News Coverage

"Rising cost of overdose treatment drug alarms city" (Baltimore Sun) July 8, 2015

Jul 8th, 2015

Baltimore officials and others are alarmed at a nearly a fourfold jump in the cost of a drug used to save the lives of people who have overdosed on heroin — a price spike that has prompted calls for state and federal action. City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana S. Wen says a leading manufacturer of naloxone has since spring raised the 10-dose cost from $97 to $370, with the most recent hike coming last week. "This means we can only save half the lives of patients we were able to before," Wen told the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

"Heroin use surges, addicting more women and middle-class" (USA Today) July 7, 2015

Jul 7th, 2015

Heroin use is reaching into new communities — addicting more women and middle-class users — as people hooked on prescription painkillers transition to cheaper illegal drugs, a new report shows. The report shows that heroin addiction can affect anyone, said Leana Wen, Baltimore City Health Commissioner and an emergency medicine physician.

"Deaths from fentanyl-laced heroin surge" (Baltimore Sun) July 7, 2015

Jul 6th, 2015

Amid a statewide surge in overdoses, Baltimore health officials announced a campaign Monday to tell heroin users that the drug they buy on the street could contain the much more potent painkiller fentanyl. "It's unclear why it's happening in Baltimore now, but it is a trend throughout the state and country," said Dr. Leana Wen, the city's health commissioner. "Our goal is to alert the public, alert residents that heroin my be laced with fentanyl."

"HIV in young people rising in Maryland" (Baltimore Sun) July 5, 2015

Jul 5th, 2015

As the rate of HIV cases among young people rises in Maryland, public health officials are scrambling for new ways to address the problem — or risk undermining years of success. Among those newly diagnosed with HIV statewide, the proportion of those ages 20 to 29 nearly doubled — from 16 percent in 2003 to 31 percent in 2012, the most recent data available. The proportion of infected teens increased at about the same pace.

"Baltimore officials express concern for children, seniors in summer heat" (Baltimore Sun) June 30, 2015

Jul 1st, 2015

Leasia Carter, the 2-year-old girl who died after being left in an unattended car for nearly a day last week, isn't alone. The Baltimore toddler was one of about 650 U.S. children since 1998 to die after being left in a vehicle during hot weather, according to the Baltimore City Health Department. On Tuesday, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and other city officials called attention to segments of the population considered to be more in danger during summer months: seniors and youngsters

"Warning To Parents: Do Not Leave Children Alone In A Hot Car" (WJZ) June 30, 2015

Jul 1st, 2015

With one heat-related death in the city already this summer, city officials are issuing an important warning to parents. Two-year-old Leasia Carter was the city’s first heat-related death of 2015. Police say she’d been left inside a scalding hot car for nearly 16 hours by her father, 31-year-old Wilbert Leon Carter, who is now charged with murder. “This is a preventable tragedy, and it should never occur again,” said City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen.

"Food access is a basic human right" (Baltimore Sun) June 28, 2015

Jun 28th, 2015

When people learn that I work in the ER, they ask me about car crashes, stabbings and shootings. They are surprised when I talk about patients who are seen for the number one medical problem, the leading killer in our city: heart disease. More than 30 percent of Baltimore residents will die from cardiovascular disease, which is fueled by high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. It's my job to advise patients to eat more fruits and vegetables. 

"Dial 311 to report businesses for selling cigs to kids" (WMAR) June 26, 2015

Jun 26th, 2015

Keeping cigarettes out of kids' hands... that’s the Baltimore City Health Department's goal, but they need your help. Residents can now report businesses who sell cigarettes to minors. Just dial 311. Health commissioner Dr. Leana Wen says it's important to educate parents and step up enforcement. If caught - businesses could face a $500 fine.

Working a Million Hours to Heal a City (The Atlantic)

Jun 23rd, 2015

At 7 a.m. on a recent Friday, I met Leana Wen, Baltimore’s new health commissioner, in the gleaming lobby of St. Agnes hospital on the far west side of the city. Wen looked polished in a black dress, white jacket, and pearl necklace. We were there because she was scheduled to attend a meeting with a group of healthcare workers, and I was following her around for the day.

"Malachi's World" (New York Times) June 18, 2015

Jun 18th, 2015

Meet Malachi, a charming toddler I met here. The first puzzle was that Malachi, at the age of 2 years and 4 months, still doesn’t speak. He says only two words: “no” and “ouch.” He doesn’t say “mom” or “dad.  As for his inability to speak, that may be because he has tested positive for lead poisoning.

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