Press Releases

"Mayor and Health Commissioner to Hold First of Two Community Forums For Heroin Treatment and Prevention Taskforce"

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen will be holding the first community forum for the Heroin Treatment and Prevention Taskforce. This taskforce was convened last fall by Mayor Rawlings-Blake to address the critical problem of opioid addiction. Its goal was to study the problem of heroin addiction and propose solutions for improving access to effective treatment and neighborhood compatibility.  

"Baltimore Health Commissioner Leads Coalition of Physicians and Public Health Advocates In Support of State Ban On Powdered Alcohol (Palcohol)"

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. 

"Mayor and Health Commissioner Honor Four Baltimore Adults and Eight Youths As “Baltimorphosis Changemakers” Against Youth Violence"

Today as part of National Youth Violence Prevention Week, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake and Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D. recognized the accomplishments of 12 city residents who are “changemakers” in the community by presenting them with a 2015 Baltimorphosis Changemaker award.  

"With Half of the City’s Hypothermia Deaths Involving Alcohol Intoxication,Health Commissioner Issues Warning: Alcohol and Cold Temperatures Do Not Mix And Can Be Deadly"

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.  

"Baltimore City Health Commissioner Calls Increasing Cost Of Naloxone a “Public Health Crisis”; Issues Support For Inquiry Launched By Representative Cummings"

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D. today applauded two congressional leaders, including Maryland Representative Elijah E. Cummings, for their inquiry into increasing prices charged by one manufacturer of naloxone. Increasing the availability of naloxone, a medication used to safely reverse opioid overdoses, is a key component of Baltimore’s strategy to combat overdose deaths.

"Health Commissioner Issues Reminder That Running Water Is Critically Important For All Food Service Facilities"

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

Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Health Commissioner Wen Announce Significant Reduction in Teen Pregnancies

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D. joined with youth advocates to announce a significant reduction in Baltimore’s teen birth rate.

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Health Commissioner Extends Code Blue in Baltimore Through Wednesday Morning

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.

"Mayor Rawlings-Blake, Health Commissioner Issue Update Regarding Ongoing Code Blue Alert"

With temperatures expected to fall below zero tonight and wind chills descending into the negative teens for the next two nights, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake is urging all city residents to take precautions to avoid serious health and safety consequences through the weekend. 

"Health Commissioner Extends Code Blue In Baltimore Through Friday"

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D. has extended the Code Blue Alert through Friday, February 20.  This is the seventh Code Blue alert for Baltimore this winter.

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