In July 2017, the Baltimore City Health Department received notice that our five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for teen pregnancy prevention would be cut two years short. This was a $3.5 million reduction that would eliminate evidence-based, science-based reproductive health education curriculum for 20,000 middle and high-school students. Despite many requests, we received no explanation for the grant termination.

In March 2018, we joined a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging HHS’s decision to cut funding from our teen pregnancy prevention program. In April, Judge Catherine Blake of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland issued a Summary Judgment in favor of the Health Department and other plaintiffs. Last Friday, we received official notice that we would be receiving Year Four funding from the grant, allowing us to continue our work. We will keep fighting for the full restoration of our five-year funding, and advancing the health and well-being of thousands of youth in Baltimore City.

The lawsuit against the Trump Administration is but one example of our dedication to fighting for critical funding for programs that benefit our most vulnerable residents. Last week on WYPR’s Midday with Tom Hall, I discussed the impact of federal and state policies on Baltimore City. The opioid epidemic continues to escalate, yet the bills passed by Congress continue to tinker around the edges. I also discussed the impact of HHS’s proposed changes to Title X funding and the inhumane treatment of immigrant children who are being forcibly separated from their parents.

I am fortunate to work with a Health Department team that understands how health is integrally tied to social justice and the future of our communities. In the face of challenges on the federal and state levels, our residents can be assured that we will always fight for their health and well-being every single day.

Leana Wen, M.D., M.Sc.

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