Recent News

"Baltimore's war On Heroin" (Al Jazeera - America Tonight) July 14, 2015

Jul 24th, 2015

In a city often considered the country's heroin capital, Baltimore officials are floating plans to open 24-hour emergency addiction clinics and increase addiction services for prisoners and people in recovery. But the city is running into major financial obstacles that include the skyrocketing price of naloxone - sold as Narcan - a drug that can save the life of a person overdosing from heroin. In this excerpt from America Tonight, Adam May speaks with a recovering addict trying to get naloxone into more hands and city Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen, who wants everyone in the city to know how to use it.

The Year 2015 Means Anniversaries for Medicare, Medicaid, Older Americans Act & Social Security

Jul 23rd, 2015

On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law transformative legislation that would change the future for millions of Americans, establishing the Medicare and Medicaid programs.  While Medicare and Medicaid started as basic insurance programs for Americans who didn’t have health insurance, the programs have changed over the years to provide more and more Americans with access to the quality and affordable healthcare they need. 

Medicare Medicaid Celebration Flyer

"New strategies to combat the surge in heroin deaths" (Maryland Public Television), July 17, 2015

Jul 22nd, 2015

Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen spoke with MPT's State Circle about new strategies to combat the surge in heroin deaths.

"Baltimore reports sleep-related infant deaths continue to tick down" (Baltimore Sun) July 22, 2015

Jul 22nd, 2015

The Baltimore City Health Department reported Wednesday that the number of sleep-related infant deaths continues to tick down since it launched a campaign in 2010 to educate mothers about the proper ways to put babies to bed. “Education is the key to changing behavior to prevent these tragic deaths,” said Dr. Leana Wen, city health commissioner. “That means everyone needs to know the ABCs of Safe Sleep -- that babies should be put to sleep alone, on their backs and in cribs, without exposure to secondhand smoke. No exceptions.”

"Baltimore reports record low 13 sleep-related infant deaths" (WMAR-TV) July 22, 2015

Jul 22nd, 2015

Health officials say there were 13 sleep-related infant deaths in Baltimore last year, a record low for the city. Baltimore City Health Department officials announced Wednesday that the number of deaths is down from a high of 27 deaths reported in 2009. 
 

"Baltimore Reports Record Low Sleep-Related Infant Deaths in 2014"

Jul 21st, 2015

Baltimore saw a record low number (13) of sleep-related infant deaths in 2014, down from a record high of 27 deaths reported in 2009, according to new data from the Baltimore City Health Department.  In Baltimore, the second leading cause of infant mortality is sleep-related infant deaths, behind only complications related to preterm birth and low birth weight.   

"Heroin: A public health emergency" (Baltimore Sun) July 19, 2015

Jul 21st, 2015

As an ER doctor, I have treated hundreds of patients who were dying of heroin overdose, and I know that it is a disease that claims lives. As a family member of loved ones who struggled with addiction, I have seen that heroin isn't just an individual disease; it's a family disease. As a public health official in Baltimore, where an estimated 19,000 of our residents use heroin, I have witnessed how heroin ties into the very fabric of our city; it's a community disease. Read more of Dr. Leana Wen's Baltimore Sun Op-Ed here.

"Baltimore City Health Commissioner Extends Weekend Code Red Heat Advisory to Monday"

Jul 20th, 2015

With the heat index expected to be at 105 degrees tomorrow, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has extended the Code Red Heat Advisory to Monday.  Today (July 19, 2015) the heat index is expected to reach 108.  The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to individuals outside.  

"Health Commissioner’s Statement On Safe Streets East - McElderry Park"

Jul 20th, 2015

The Baltimore City Health Department stands united with the Police Department and with our city, state and federal partners in reducing violence and promoting safety in Baltimore. Operations of the Safe Streets East site in the McElderry Park community have been indefinitely suspended pending further investigation. Safe Streets has a zero-tolerance policy for felony arrests; therefore, the two Safe Street employees allegedly involved have been terminated.

"City Council approves new disclosure of restaurant health violations" (Baltimore Sun) July 20, 2015

Jul 20th, 2015

People dining out in Baltimore will have new access to information about health violations at city restaurants and carryouts under legislation approved Monday by the City Council. Under the legislation, patrons will be able to check the Health Department's website and social media accounts for timely updates on restaurant violations, such as rat infestations or failures to keep meat cool. "We want to have the violations posted in real time, so people can make an informed decision about where they want to eat their meals or obtain their food items," said Dr. Leana Wen,  the city's health commissioner.

Pages