Press Releases

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

Jul 6th, 2016

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

Jul 5th, 2016

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

Jun 29th, 2016

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

Jun 28th, 2016

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

Jun 27th, 2016

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

Jun 21st, 2016

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

Jun 16th, 2016

“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.”

Baltimore Health Officials Call on City Council to Pass Legislation to Educate Residents about the Dangers of Sugary Drinks

Jun 7th, 2016

BALTIMORE, MD (June 7, 2016)– Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen joined community advocates today to call on the Baltimore City Council to pass legislation to require warning labels for sugar-sweetened beverages on advertisements, restaurant menus, and in any point of sale in the city where these products are sold during a hearing of the Council’s Health Committee. Sugar-sweetened beverages contain added caloric sweetener, such as soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, most juices, sweetened coffee drinks, sweetened teas, etc.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Commends New Guidelines on Medicaid Reimbursements to Combat Zika Virus

Jun 1st, 2016

BALTIMORE, MD (June 2, 2016)–Today Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement following the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ guidance clarifying the availability of Medicaid funds for the prevention, detection, and response to the Zika Virus:

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Urges Caution as Code Orange Air Quality Issued

May 25th, 2016

BALTIMORE, MD (May 26, 2016)– With a heat index of 84 degrees and unhealthy air quality expected today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen is urging caution for Baltimore City residents, especially members of “sensitive groups.”

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