News Coverage

"Health commissioner urges caution over heat-related illnesses" (Baltimore Sun) May 21, 2015

May 22nd, 2015

As summer unofficially begins, Baltimore's health commissioner is urging residents to be wary of the risks of extreme heat. "Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of people dying and thousands becoming ill every year," Dr. Leana Wen said in a statement. "Heat waves are silent killers and a public health threat, particularly for the young, the elderly and those in our city who are the most vulnerable."

"Sugar Free Initiatives Bill To Be Introduced" (WJZ-TV) May 21, 2015

May 22nd, 2015

Baltimore City Council prepares to tackle what some consider a huge health issue–sugary drinks. Pat Warren reports on a council hearing to discuss the effects of sugary drinks on the health of children. “I’ve seen 15-year-olds who weigh 200 pounds. I’ve seen 18-year-olds who have adult onset diabetes,” said Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore City Health Commissioner.

"Heroin deaths double in Maryland since 2010" (WBAL-TV) May 19, 2015

May 19th, 2015

Deaths related to drugs and alcohol are on the rise in Maryland.  On Tuesday, figures from the state health department show an increase in the number of drug and alcohol-related intoxication deaths in Maryland. "The numbers are not good. There are more people dying from overdose in our city than are dying from homicide," City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said.

"Heroin deaths continuing to rise in Maryland" (Baltimore Sun) May 19, 2015

May 19th, 2015

The department's annual tally of drug- and alcohol-related deaths shows heroin's toll continuing a steep rise that began several years ago. The number of heroin-related deaths in 2014 was 25 percent higher than the previous year, and more than double the total in 2010. The Baltimore task force is scheduled to issue its recommendations to Rawlings-Blake in July. Dr. Leana S. Wen, the city health commissioner, said the new state statistics confirm what she calls a "public health crisis" — but a preventable one.

"Baltimore Health Commissioner: 'Public Health Is Tied To Everything'" (NPR) May 15, 2015

May 16th, 2015

NPR's Audie Cornish talks with Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen about the public health needs of the city's residents and the steps she wants to take to meet those needs.

"Baltimore infant mortality program lauded" (Baltimore Sun) May 13, 2015

May 13th, 2015

A Baltimore program to reduce the city's infant mortality rate was lauded in a new report by the Pew Charitable Trusts as a model that can be used to save babies' lives throughout the country. Since the B'more for Healthy Babies program launched in 2009, the city's infant mortality rate has dropped 24 percent.

"100 days in Baltimore" (Baltimore Sun) May 10, 2015

May 10th, 2015

Since becoming the city's health commissioner in January, I've embarked on a 100-day listening tour. What I have seen and heard gives me great hope for the future of Baltimore. I see a city that is innovative and isn't afraid to take bold action.

"CVS Health to Rebuild Stores Burned in Baltimore Riots" (NBCNews.com) May 6, 2015

May 7th, 2015

Pharmacy giant CVS Health announced Wednesday it will rebuild two store locations badly burned during protests in Baltimore last week in response to the death of Freddie Gray. Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen welcomed the news, saying "hundreds, if not thousands" of residents had been affected by the closures of the CVSes and other neighboring pharmacies.

"Unrest In West Baltimore Puts Elderly And Sick At Additional Risk" (NPR Morning Edition) May 7, 2015

May 7th, 2015

It's been more than a week since rioting over Freddie Gray's death closed many businesses. Several pharmacies are still not open — leaving the sick and elderly with chronic conditions vulnerable.

"Unrest in Baltimore: The Role of Public Health" (JAMA) May 7, 2015

May 7th, 2015

Baltimore's unrest has captured the nation's attention, but while the immediate crisis that was visible on the streets is over, the public health work on Baltimore’s recovery and healing continues. There is also renewed attention to underlying health disparities and inequalities, including the contribution of the heroin epidemic and substance addiction. Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen co-authored an editorial in the May 7th issue of JAMA, "Unrest in Baltimore: The Role of Public Health."

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