Recent News

Baltimore City First In State To Provide in Court Naloxone Training For Drug Court Participants (FOX45)

Aug 14th, 2015

Within the walls of Baltimore City’s Circuit Court the city’s Health Commissioner conducted an in court training session for nearly 30 Baltimore City Drug Treatment Court participants, teaching them how to administer Naloxone.  It’s a medication that is used to reverse the effects of an overdose.    “I think this is a way we can save lives in Baltimore City and really make an impact on the ever increasing overdose deaths,” said Ellen Heller, Circuit Court Judge. The in court training is a first for the state.  Its participants were chosen because they are at risk of an overdose and/or are in contact with people who are at risk. “If somebody is overdosing on heroin or fentanyl or oxycodone or other opiates they will stop breathing and within a matter of minutes they will die,” said Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore City Health Commissioner.

Don’t delay, vaccinate today!

Aug 13th, 2015

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to recognize vaccines, one of the top 10 public health accomplishments of the 20th Century. It is also a time to remind people that immunizations are not just for children.  They are needed throughout our lifetime. Starting even before a baby is born, mothers can help protect them by getting flu and whooping cough (pertussis) vaccines themselves. These vaccines will provide some disease protection (immunity) that will last the first months of a baby’s life. 

Don't Delay Vaccinate Today

Baltimore City First Jurisdiction In Maryland To Mandate Naloxone Training For Drug Court Participants

Aug 12th, 2015

Beginning today, in an effort spearheaded by Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen, the Baltimore City Adult Drug Treatment Court (DTC) will be the first in Maryland to train participants on the use of naloxone while they are in court.  “Overdose deaths are a public health emergency,” said Dr. Wen.  “Last year, more people died from overdose than died from homicide.  The first step to recovery is staying alive. We need to get life-saving naloxone into the hands of people most at risk.” Individuals with a primary drug-related criminal offense are selected to participate in DTC as an alternative to more traditional legal settings.

"Crime Interrupts A Baltimore Doctor's Reform Efforts" (NPR - All Things Considered) August 7, 2015

Aug 7th, 2015

On a hot, sunny Monday in mid-July, Dr. Leana Wen stood on a sidewalk in West Baltimore flanked by city leaders: Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, interim police commissioner Kevin Davis, Rep. Elijah Cummings. Under a huge billboard with the web address dontdie.org, she proudly unveiled a 10-point plan for tackling the city's heroin epidemic. Wen, the city's health commissioner, said she aims to create a 24/7 treatment center, an emergency room of sorts for substance abuse and mental health. She spoke of targeting those most in need, starting with those in jail.

"Baltimore City and County Health Departments Investigating Possible Measles Case"

Aug 7th, 2015

Today Health Commissioner Dr, Leana Wen announced that Baltimore County and Baltimore City Health Departments are currently investigating a possible, isolated case of measles in a Baltimore County resident who was seen for care at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore City. Upon recognition of a possible measles case, Sinai Hospital staff acted quickly and appropriately to reduce exposures.

"Possible Measles Case Reported in Baltimore County" (Patch.com) August 7, 2015

Aug 7th, 2015

Health officials said Friday that a Baltimore County child who was not vaccinated for the measles is being tested for the highly contagious illness. “This may be a false alarm, and the patient may not have measles,” Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D., said in a statement Friday. A Baltimore baby who was thought to have measles in January ultimately tested negative, authorities noted.

"Case of measles suspected in Baltimore County child" (Baltimore Sun) August 7, 2015

Aug 7th, 2015

Baltimore County and Baltimore City  health departments are investigating a possible case of measles, a highly contagious virus that grabbed headlines earlier in the year because of an outbreak that stemmed from unvaccinated children in Los Angeles. Cases are rare in Maryland, which has high vaccination rates, and officials say the possible case is isolated so far. The child, who was not identified, lives in Baltimore County and is unvaccinated.

"New Legislation Requires Restaurants To Publicly Detail Health Inspection Closures" (WJZ) August 6, 2015

Aug 6th, 2015

Baltimore’s mayor signs legislation on Thursday that requires restaurants to publicly post reason for closures resulting from health inspections. The city inspects roughly 5,000 restaurants a year and only 100 actually get shut down for violations. With this new law you’ll be able to know why.

"Can A 32-Year-Old Doctor Cure Baltimore's Ills?" (NPR) August 6, 2015

Aug 6th, 2015

Neighborhoods in Baltimore are still struggling to recover from the riots that broke out following the funeral of Freddie Gray. In the aftermath of the unrest, we here at NPR spent many hours trying to understand the raw anger on display. We looked at police brutality, economic disparities and housing segregation in Baltimore. Our conversations eventually led us to Leana Wen.

Making Breastfeeding Work In Baltimore City

Aug 6th, 2015

The mission of public health is to reduce health disparities and level the playing field for all to be healthy and well.  And this starts with infancy. We know that breastfeeding is more than a tradition handed down from generation to generation, but is a lifesaving technique.  Breast milk provides baby’s first immunizations, prevents infections and wards off illnesses, reduces infant mortality and increases the emotional bond between mother and child.

Making Breastfeeding Work In Baltimore City

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