Press Releases

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Issues Statement in Response to Increase in Overdose Deaths in Baltimore City

Dec 29th, 2016

BALTIMORE, Md. (December 29, 2016)— Today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement in response to new data showing an increase in fatal overdoses statewide. Preliminary data show that there were 481 fatal overdoses in Baltimore City from January through September 2016, compared to 286 during the same time period last year. The number of people who died from overdoses relating to fentanyl has increased from 75 to 267—an 18-fold increase since 2013.

Baltimore City Health Department Provides Update on Facebook Post Concerning Potential Food Violation

Dec 21st, 2016

BALTIMORE, MD (December 21, 2016)—On Tuesday December 20th, the Baltimore City Health Department was alerted to a Facebook post claiming to identify a skinned anim

Baltimore City Health Department Hosts Public Meeting of the Work Group on Drug Treatment Access and Neighborhood Relations

Dec 20th, 2016

BALTIMORE, Md. (December 20, 2016)—The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) today heard testimony from community members and national policy leaders during an open meeting of the Work Group on Drug Treatment Access and Neighborhood Relations. The session included panel discussions with hospital and university leaders as well as national and local policy experts, including Mayor Catherine E. Pugh, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Kana Enomoto, and Deputy Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse Dr. Wilson Compton.

Baltimore City Health Department Hosts Healthy Baltimore 2020 Community Conversation on Aging

Dec 19th, 2016

BALTIMORE, Md. (December 19, 2016)—The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) today hosted the latest Healthy Baltimore 2020 Community Conversation, a town hall meeting offering residents the opportunity to provide public comment on Healthy Baltimore 2020—BCHD’s recently released strategic blueprint for health and wellness through the lens of health equity.

Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen Declares First Code Blue Alert of the Winter Season

Dec 14th, 2016

BALTIMORE, Md. (December 14, 2016)—With temperatures predicted to fall into single-digits with wind chill, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen today issued a Code Blue declaration for Baltimore City overnight Wednesday until noon Friday. This is the first Code Blue alert for Baltimore this season.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Commends Congress for Passing 21st Century Cures Act

Dec 7th, 2016

BALTIMORE, Md. (December 7, 2016)—Today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement in response to Congress’ passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, which authorizes $1 billion over two years to address the opioid epidemic, in addition to funding for mental health research and treatment:

Baltimore City Commemorates World AIDS Day

Dec 2nd, 2016

BALTIMORE, MD (December 1, 2016) – In recognition of World AIDS Day 2016, representatives across Baltimore City honored those lost to AIDS and recommitted to eliminating the disease in Baltimore City. World AIDS Day is a global annual event held on December 1st to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for those living with HIV, and commemorate those who have passed.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Issues Statement Following Selection of Congressman Tom Price as Nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services

Nov 29th, 2016

BALTIMORE, MD (November 29, 2016) – Today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement in response to the selection of Congressman Tom Price as President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services:

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Issues Statement in Response to Landmark Surgeon General Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health

Nov 18th, 2016

BALTIMORE, MD (November 18, 2016)—Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen today issued the following statement in response to a new report by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy that identifies substance use disorders as one of America’s most pressing public health concerns.

Baltimore City Announces Beginning of Code Blue Season

Nov 15th, 2016

BALTIMORE, MD (November 15, 2016)—Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen today announced the start of Baltimore City’s Code Blue program for the coming winter. Code Blue is a multi-agency effort to reduce hypothermia deaths by protecting homeless individuals, seniors and other vulnerable populations from extreme cold weather.

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