Recent News

"Deaths from fentanyl-laced heroin surge" (Baltimore Sun) July 7, 2015

Jul 6th, 2015

Amid a statewide surge in overdoses, Baltimore health officials announced a campaign Monday to tell heroin users that the drug they buy on the street could contain the much more potent painkiller fentanyl. "It's unclear why it's happening in Baltimore now, but it is a trend throughout the state and country," said Dr. Leana Wen, the city's health commissioner. "Our goal is to alert the public, alert residents that heroin my be laced with fentanyl."

Fentanyl-Related Overdose Deaths Up 178% In Baltimore In First Quarter of 2015

Jul 6th, 2015

Baltimore City health officials are issuing a warning and launching a public education effort about life-threatening fentanyl-laced heroin on the streets in Baltimore. In the first quarter of 2015 (January – March), there have been 39 overdose deaths in Baltimore associated with fentanyl, an increase of 178 percent from the same time in 2014 (14 deaths). There were 303 overdose deaths in Baltimore in 2014. “Fentanyl-laced heroin is killing individuals in our city," said Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore City Health Commissioner.

"HIV in young people rising in Maryland" (Baltimore Sun) July 5, 2015

Jul 5th, 2015

As the rate of HIV cases among young people rises in Maryland, public health officials are scrambling for new ways to address the problem — or risk undermining years of success. Among those newly diagnosed with HIV statewide, the proportion of those ages 20 to 29 nearly doubled — from 16 percent in 2003 to 31 percent in 2012, the most recent data available. The proportion of infected teens increased at about the same pace.

"Baltimore officials express concern for children, seniors in summer heat" (Baltimore Sun) June 30, 2015

Jul 1st, 2015

Leasia Carter, the 2-year-old girl who died after being left in an unattended car for nearly a day last week, isn't alone. The Baltimore toddler was one of about 650 U.S. children since 1998 to die after being left in a vehicle during hot weather, according to the Baltimore City Health Department. On Tuesday, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and other city officials called attention to segments of the population considered to be more in danger during summer months: seniors and youngsters

"Warning To Parents: Do Not Leave Children Alone In A Hot Car" (WJZ) June 30, 2015

Jul 1st, 2015

With one heat-related death in the city already this summer, city officials are issuing an important warning to parents. Two-year-old Leasia Carter was the city’s first heat-related death of 2015. Police say she’d been left inside a scalding hot car for nearly 16 hours by her father, 31-year-old Wilbert Leon Carter, who is now charged with murder. “This is a preventable tragedy, and it should never occur again,” said City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen.

ACT to Prevent Heatstroke: You Can Save a Young Life

Jul 1st, 2015

On average, every 10 days in the United States a child dies from being left in a hot car. Just last week in Baltimore, a 2-year-old girl was left in a hot car, and tragically passed away. In the vast majority (over 80%) of these cases, the child was accidentally left in the car. In about half of these cases, the parent or caregiver reports that they were sure that the child was not in the car.

ACT to Prevent Heatstroke

Mayor and City Health, Fire & Police Leaders, Safe Kids Baltimore Join To Highlight How Kids Can Stay Safe During Hot Weather

Jun 30th, 2015

Last week, Baltimore City experienced the tragic death of Leasia Carter, a 2-year-old girl who was reportedly left in a vehicle for 24 hours.  Leasia is one of nearly 650 children nationwide who have tragically died since 1998 after being left in automobiles during hot weather.

Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen, leadership from the Baltimore City Fire Department and Baltimore Police Department and Safe Kids Baltimore/ University of Maryland Children's Hospital held a press conference to remind parents and caregivers of safety tips for children in the summer.  Topics covered included the dangers of hot weather, fireworks safety, swimming pool safety and the importance of knowing CPR.

“Each and every one of the nearly 650 kids who have died after being left unattended in a vehicle was preventable,” said Dr. Wen. “Even on a day that is just in the mid 70’s outside, temperatures inside vehicles can reach life-threatening levels very quickly. This is true particularly for children - kids’ bodies warm 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s body does.”

Dr. Wen: Apply a Public Health Approach to Prevent Youth Violence

Jun 30th, 2015

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen joined senior Justice Department officials, police chiefs, school leaders and youth from more than 30 cities to discuss Baltimore’s strategy for reducing youth violence during the Fifth National Summit on Preventing Youth Violence. Under Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s direction, Dr. Wen is leading a city-wide effort to address violence and public safety through the lens of public health, recognizing that violence is a generational challenge impacted by the social determinants that shape people’s lives.

Dr. Wen on Youth Violence Prevention

"Food access is a basic human right" (Baltimore Sun) June 28, 2015

Jun 28th, 2015

When people learn that I work in the ER, they ask me about car crashes, stabbings and shootings. They are surprised when I talk about patients who are seen for the number one medical problem, the leading killer in our city: heart disease. More than 30 percent of Baltimore residents will die from cardiovascular disease, which is fueled by high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. It's my job to advise patients to eat more fruits and vegetables. 

"Dial 311 to report businesses for selling cigs to kids" (WMAR) June 26, 2015

Jun 26th, 2015

Keeping cigarettes out of kids' hands... that’s the Baltimore City Health Department's goal, but they need your help. Residents can now report businesses who sell cigarettes to minors. Just dial 311. Health commissioner Dr. Leana Wen says it's important to educate parents and step up enforcement. If caught - businesses could face a $500 fine.

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