At the second annual March for Science, speakers here called for political action using science to inform some of the most pressing public health issues of the day, including the opioid crisis, gun violence, and ongoing funding of research for medical cures. 

Baltimore Health Commissioner Leana S. Wen, MD, gave an impassioned speech calling for more money toward the purchase of naloxone to treat more people who are addicted to opioids. Soon after becoming health commissioner in January 2015, Wen issued a blanket prescription for naloxone to all of Baltimore's residents. That program has saved more than 1700 lives, but there's still not enough of the medication to meet the need.

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There’s a reason Baltimore City banned stores from selling so-called synthetic marijuana in 2016. The substance, often branded as “K2” or “Spice” and sold at gas stations and corner stores, is usually made with a potpourri of leaves and various unknown chemicals designed to mirror marijuana’s effects. It’s been known to induce severe physical problems, such as heart attacks, kidney failure and extreme bleeding.

In light of the synthetic weed scare, Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued a reminder and a warning about the stuff on Tuesday. She noted three of Maryland’s four cases have been patients from the Baltimore area.

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Baltimore officials say a plan to curb hospitalizations and emergency department visits related to older adults falling has been announced. A Baltimore City Health Department news release says Mayor Catherine E. Pugh and Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen announced the new strategy Monday.

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