Press Releases

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.”

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

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

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

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.”

Baltimore City Health Commissioner, Dr. Leana Wen Delivers 2016 Commencement Address at Notre Dame of Maryland University

Baltimore City Health Comisisoner Dr. Leana Wen today delivered the address at the 2016 Commencement of Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) at the Royal Farms Arena. NDMU President Marylou Yam presided over the ceremony.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Calls on Congress to Provide Additional Funding to Combat Zika Virus

BALTIMORE, MD (May 19, 2016)–Today Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement following this week’s votes by Congress to approve funding to combat the Zika Virus:

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Commends U.S. District Court Decision to Uphold Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Warning Label Law

BALTIMORE, MD (May 19, 2016)–Today Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement following this week’s decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to uphold the City of San Francisco’s proposed law to require warning labels for sugar-sweetened beverages:

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