Press Releases

Baltimore City Observes International Overdose Awareness Day

Aug 31st, 2015

Officials across Baltimore City today observed International Overdose Awareness Day to mark the ongoing fight against overdoses in Baltimore and to remember the 1,113 lives lost to overdose over the last five years.

Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) hosted activities throughout the day, including:

  • Announcing a donation of approximately 6,500 lifesaving EVZIO® naloxone auto-injectors, a prescription for use in opioid overdose emergencies, from pharmaceutical company Kaléo;
  • Free naloxone trainings at five “DontDie.org” bus and Metro station poster sites throughout the city; and
  • A remembrance vigil hosted by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake where 1,113 purple roses—one for each life lost in Baltimore to overdose in the last 5 years— were placed at War Memorial Plaza to honor loved ones who have passed away from substance abuse and to encourage those still struggling with the disease of addiction.

"Vaccinations For Students = A Pass To Class"

Aug 21st, 2015

Two recent cases of potential measles in Baltimore, each of which proved to be negative after lab testing, serve as a reminder and a call to action to ensure children are vaccinated against preventable diseases. At an immunization clinic at the city’s Eastern Health Clinic today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen and Karl Perry, Chief School Supports Officer for the Baltimore City Public Schools, reminded parents and caregivers that students must have all required state immunizations in order to participate in school, which opens next Monday, August 31.​

"Preventing Tobacco Sales To Underage Children Is Just A (311) Phone Call Away"

Aug 20th, 2015

Baltimore residents can now help health officials to work on the life-changing problem of tobacco use with a simple phone call.  Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen announced a new tool in the fight against sales of tobacco to underage youth. Individuals can now call 311 to report businesses that are selling tobacco to youth under age 18, and Health Department officials will investigate each complaint.  The Health Department has launched a public education campaign, with messaging inside buses and radio advertisements encouraging individuals to call 311.

Baltimore City First Jurisdiction In Maryland To Mandate Naloxone Training For Drug Court Participants

Aug 12th, 2015

Beginning today, in an effort spearheaded by Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen, the Baltimore City Adult Drug Treatment Court (DTC) will be the first in Maryland to train participants on the use of naloxone while they are in court.  “Overdose deaths are a public health emergency,” said Dr. Wen.  “Last year, more people died from overdose than died from homicide.  The first step to recovery is staying alive. We need to get life-saving naloxone into the hands of people most at risk.” Individuals with a primary drug-related criminal offense are selected to participate in DTC as an alternative to more traditional legal settings.

"Baltimore City and County Health Departments Investigating Possible Measles Case"

Aug 7th, 2015

Today Health Commissioner Dr, Leana Wen announced that Baltimore County and Baltimore City Health Departments are currently investigating a possible, isolated case of measles in a Baltimore County resident who was seen for care at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore City. Upon recognition of a possible measles case, Sinai Hospital staff acted quickly and appropriately to reduce exposures.

“World Breastfeeding Week” Calls for Greater Workplace Accommodations

Aug 4th, 2015

As part of “World Breastfeeding Week,” the Baltimore City Health Department’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is hosting several events this week to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding. Included are a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Award Ceremony—recognition to local businesses that make special accommodations for breastfeeding employees—and the “Fifth Annual Grand Baby Shower” for pregnant and breastfeeding moms enrolled in the WIC program.

Over Twenty Animals Perish in Local Fire

Jul 29th, 2015

Last night, BCHD’s Office of Animal Control was called to Morrell Park to respond to the scene of a fire in which a number of animals were believed to have died. Twelve Himalayan adult cats, 11 kittens and two dogs were confirmed dead on the scene.

Baltimore Awarded Federal Funds to Combat Substance Abuse

Jul 29th, 2015

Baltimore city will receive federal funds for up to three years to treat substance abuse from a new grant awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services.

BCHD Encourages Everyone to Get Vaccinated, Screened on World Hepatitis Day

Jul 28th, 2015

BALTIMORE, MD (July 28, 2015) – As today marks “World Hepatitis Day,” Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen encourages residents to get vaccinated for hepatitis B (HBV) and screened for hepatitis C (HCV).

"Baltimore Announces $8.5 Million Dollar HHS Grant to Implement Reproductive Health Education Program in Middle and High Schools"

Jul 24th, 2015

The Baltimore City Health Department and the U Choose Coalition have been awarded a $8.5 million grant with a goal of decreasing the city’s teen birth rate for African American and Hispanic girls by 30 percent.  The grant, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is for $1.7 million dollars per year for five years.

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