Recent News

"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"

Mar 6th, 2015

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 Department extends Code Blue through Saturday" (WMAR - ABC2) March 5,2015

Mar 6th, 2015

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Lena Wen has declared a severe Code Blue through 12 p.m. Saturday. As part of this effort, city officials are opening an additional shelter at the War Memorial Building.  The shelter will be in from 6 p.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday, and from 6 p.m. Friday through 10 a.m. Saturday.      

You Are Where You Eat!

Mar 5th, 2015

Everyone’s heard the idea “you are what you eat”.  But what about “you are where you eat”? In Baltimore, you can go blocks before finding fresh fruit, let alone fresh vegetables.  This is particularly true in low-income areas.  Many other cities see the same trend.

Baltimarket and Food Access, Baltimore City Health Department

It Takes A Community To Stop Dating Violence

Mar 5th, 2015

Domestic Violence is a serious public health problem that often starts in adolescence.  In understanding adolescent development, we know that adolescents often develop behavioral norms by observing acceptable behaviors, consequences or reactions of those close to them. Once looked at as acceptable behavior, teen dating violence is beginning to gain national attention as an issue that must be addressed early in a child’s development.

"Direct Connection - Overdose Prevention" (Maryland Public Television) March 2, 2015

Mar 3rd, 2015

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen joined Jeff Salkin on Maryland Public Television's "Direct Connection" us highlight the heroin overdose prevention issues in Maryland in light of the Governor's announcement this week.

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

Mar 2nd, 2015

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.

"Cold temperatures, frozen pipes force closings of 5 Baltimore restaurants in 10 days" (Baltimore Business Journal) March 2, 2015

Mar 2nd, 2015

Frozen pipes during a recent bout of extreme cold have not only caused problems for Baltimore City residents; they have also meant temporary closings for some of the city's restaurants. Health codes stipulate that any business that serves food must have hot and cold running water. The Baltimore City Health Department closed five food service businesses that were without hot and/or cold running water between Feb. 17 and 27.

"Baltimore City Health Department's Staying Alive Program" (FOX45) February 26, 2015

Feb 28th, 2015

Baltimore City Health Department's "Staying Alive Program" has trained more than 12,000 people to use Naloxone in the program's 11 years. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a heroin overdose reversal drug. "Some of these individuals don't have to die. We have drugs out here--Naloxone--that can save a lot of lives," Needle Exchange Program Acting Director Derrick Hunt said. "A lot of our success comes from taking our services to the individuals."

"Health department closes four businesses for lack of running water" (Baltimore Sun) February 27, 2015

Feb 27th, 2015

The Baltimore City Health Department said Friday that it closed five food establishments over the past 10 days for operating without water service due in part to frozen or damaged pipes caused by recent freezing temperatures. One business was closed on Friday and two were shut down Thursday, said BCHD in a statement reminding food service establishments that, according to state regulations, they must have hot and cold running water to remain open.

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

Feb 26th, 2015

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

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