Citing the potential dangers of powdered alcohol for both youth and adults, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D. has convened a coalition of public health and physician leaders in support of banning the substance in Maryland. “Our efforts need to be focused on making alcoholic products less, not more, available to young people across our state,” Dr Wen said. 

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D. is reminding Baltimoreans of the dangers of alcohol use during cold weather. Baltimore remains under a Severe Code Blue declaration through 12 p.m. Saturday; the wind chill this evening will be around zero degrees and temperatures are expected to remain dangerously cold through approximately lunchtime on Saturday.  There have been 8 deaths in Baltimore due to hypothermia this season and 31 statewide. Alcohol intoxication was a contributing factor in half of the deaths in Baltimore.  “Drinking alcohol can be life-threatening for individuals in temperatures that are this low,” Dr. Wen said.  

In light of the cold weather causing water main breaks and broken water pipes across the city, the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) is issuing a reminder that all food service facilities must have operating hot and cold water readily available according to state regulations.  “Having both hot and cold running water is essential for any business that is preparing or serving food to the public,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D

With dangerously cold weather expected to continue for several more days, the Code Blue alert has been extended through 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 25.