Press Releases

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Responds to Congress’ Passage of Opioid Epidemic Legislation

Today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement in response to Congress’ passage of legislation to combat the nation’s opioid epidemic, known as The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA).

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Baltimore City Health Commissioner Declares Code Red Heat Advisory for Thursday; First Of the Season

BALTIMORE, MD (July 13, 2016) – With a heat index of 105 degrees expected, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has issued a Code Red Heat Advisory for tomorrow, July 14th.  The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to individuals outside. This is Baltimore City’s first Code Red declaration of the season.

Baltimore City Eastern Health Clinic Experiences Break-In

BALTIMORE, MD (July 11, 2016)– Over the weekend, there was a break-in at Baltimore City Health Department's Eastern Health Clinic at 620 N Caroline St. At this time, there is no indication that patient files have been accessed or protected health information has been compromised; additionally, all medications are accounted for. Officials have reported property damage and stolen items, such as televisions used in the patient waiting room and for training purposes, laptops, and bus tokens for low-income residents.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Encourages Citizens to Take Precautions As Season’s First Hot Weather Arrives

BALTIMORE, MD (July 6, 2016)– With temperatures forecast in the mid-90s with a heat index expected to reach nearly 100 degrees and unhealthy air quality anticipated, Baltimore City health officials are encouraging residents to take precautions as the first hot weather of the season arrives today.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Commends New HHS Actions to Combat Opioid Abuse, Calls for Additional Action Amid Epidemic

BALTIMORE, MD (July 6, 2016)–Today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement in response to several new actions announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to combat the nation’s opioid epidemic, including issuing a Buprenorphine Final Rule that allows practitioners who have had a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine for up to 100 patients for a year or more, to now obtain a waiver to treat up to 275 patients:

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Highlights Efforts to Treat Violence as a Public Health Issue at National Youth Violence Prevention Summit

BALTIMORE, MD (June 29, 2016)– Today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen joined senior Justice Department officials, police chiefs, school leaders and youth from more than 30 cities to discuss Baltimore’s strategy for reducing youth violence during the Fifth National Summit on Preventing Youth Violence. 

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Presses Congress for Comprehensive Resources to Combat Zika Virus

BALTIMORE, MD (June 28, 2016) – Today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement in response to the Senate’s decision to block a Zika funding bill that placed restrictions on Planned Parenthood.

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Baltimore City Health Department Urges Residents to Get Tested in Recognition of National HIV Testing Day

BALTIMORE, MD (June 27, 2016)– The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) today joined partners at local health departments and community-based organizations across the country in observance of National HIV Testing Day, an annual day of awareness to promote HIV testing. Baltimore typically ranks in the top five urban cities for HIV rate; there are more than 13,000 people living with HIV currently in Baltimore City.

Baltimore City Health Department Celebrates Grand Opening of City’s Newest Early Head Start Location

BALTIMORE, Md. (June 21, 2016)—Today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen joined Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, representatives from LIGHT Health and Wellness Comprehensive Services, and members of the community to celebrate the grand-opening of Baltimore City’s newest Early Head Start Program. 

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Commends Philadelphia City Council for Approving Soda Tax

“Philadelphia’s soda tax is a great step toward improving public health, and we commend Philadelphia’s City Council for acting in the best interest of its residents. We hope that Baltimore will follow suit by passing legislation currently before City Council that will require warning labels on advertisements and at points-of-sale for sugary drinks.”

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