Press Releases

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.

"Baltimore Reports Record Low Sleep-Related Infant Deaths in 2014"

Jul 21st, 2015

Baltimore saw a record low number (13) of sleep-related infant deaths in 2014, down from a record high of 27 deaths reported in 2009, according to new data from the Baltimore City Health Department.  In Baltimore, the second leading cause of infant mortality is sleep-related infant deaths, behind only complications related to preterm birth and low birth weight.   

"Baltimore City Health Commissioner Extends Weekend Code Red Heat Advisory to Monday"

Jul 20th, 2015

With the heat index expected to be at 105 degrees tomorrow, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has extended the Code Red Heat Advisory to Monday.  Today (July 19, 2015) the heat index is expected to reach 108.  The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to individuals outside.  

"Health Commissioner’s Statement On Safe Streets East - McElderry Park"

Jul 20th, 2015

The Baltimore City Health Department stands united with the Police Department and with our city, state and federal partners in reducing violence and promoting safety in Baltimore. Operations of the Safe Streets East site in the McElderry Park community have been indefinitely suspended pending further investigation. Safe Streets has a zero-tolerance policy for felony arrests; therefore, the two Safe Street employees allegedly involved have been terminated.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Declares Code Red Heat Advisory for Saturday and Sunday

Jul 17th, 2015

Keep Hydrated and Reduce Outside Activity with Artscape Festivities.

"Raccoon Thrown Out of A Car Tests Positive for Rabies"

Jul 17th, 2015

On Wednesday, July 15th, a raccoon that was thrown out of a silver sedan near 1610 E. Preston St. tested positive for rabies.  If you think you know the driver or passengers in the vehicle please have them contact the City Hall Operator at 410-396-3100.  An eyewitness saw the raccoon being tossed out of the sedan in a box and contacted Animal Control.   

"Mayor’s Heroin Task Force Calls for Citywide Overdose Plan, 24/7 Access to Addiction Treatment, and Public Education Campaign to Fight Stigma"

Jul 13th, 2015

The Mayor’s Heroin Treatment and Prevention Task Force today called for 10 bold steps to attack the city’s epidemic heroin and opioid addiction, including having 24/7 “treatment on demand” for substance users and a public education campaign to encourage treatment and combat stigma. Convened by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake in October 2014, the Task Force was co-chaired by Bernard J. McBride, CEO Behavioral Health System Baltimore, and Dr. Samuel Ross, CEO of Bon Secours Baltimore Health System, and was comprised of 35 community leaders, public health experts and government representatives. 

There were 303 total drug and alcohol overdose deaths in Baltimore City in 2014, compared with 246 in 2013, a 23 percent increase. Last year, 192 overdose deaths were heroin-related, compared with 150 in 2013. There are an estimated 18,900 individuals who use heroin in Baltimore.

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