Recent News

"Hopkins studies student vision, learning" (Baltimore Sun) May 27, 2015

May 27th, 2015

Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore's new health commissioner, said the department has made significant improvements. In the last academic school year, the department increased its vision screening rate to 96 percent. But challenges remain with follow-through, Wen said. Less than 20 percent of students who screen positive for vision deficiencies end up getting glasses, she said. That leaves the health department and the school system trying to reach parents.

"We can save lives now" (Baltimore Sun) May 23, 2015

May 25th, 2015

Heroin is not a new problem to Baltimore. Like many cities across the U.S., we have struggled with the heroin epidemic for years. Heroin ties into the very fabric of our city and cannot be separated from the problems of violence, mass incarceration and rampant health disparities. Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen writes an Op Ed for the Baltimore Sun.

"A prescription for Baltimore’s health" (Washington Post) May 23, 2015

May 25th, 2015

The world has heard about Freddie Gray. I want to tell you about another young man whose life ended too soon. He was my patient in the emergency room at a D.C. hospital. He was 19 years old and had been shot five times in the chest and abdomen. Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen writes an Op-Ed for the Washington Post.

"Health commissioner urges caution over heat-related illnesses" (Baltimore Sun) May 21, 2015

May 22nd, 2015

As summer unofficially begins, Baltimore's health commissioner is urging residents to be wary of the risks of extreme heat. "Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of people dying and thousands becoming ill every year," Dr. Leana Wen said in a statement. "Heat waves are silent killers and a public health threat, particularly for the young, the elderly and those in our city who are the most vulnerable."

"Sugar Free Initiatives Bill To Be Introduced" (WJZ-TV) May 21, 2015

May 22nd, 2015

Baltimore City Council prepares to tackle what some consider a huge health issue–sugary drinks. Pat Warren reports on a council hearing to discuss the effects of sugary drinks on the health of children. “I’ve seen 15-year-olds who weigh 200 pounds. I’ve seen 18-year-olds who have adult onset diabetes,” said Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore City Health Commissioner.

"Baltimore City Prepares For 2015 Code Red Heat Alert Season"

May 20th, 2015

Today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen was joined by representatives of the Mayor’s Office, Baltimore City Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, and Office of Human Services / Community Action Partnership in announcing the kickoff of Code Red Heat Alert season, which began May 15th and runs until September 15th. 

"Heroin deaths double in Maryland since 2010" (WBAL-TV) May 19, 2015

May 19th, 2015

Deaths related to drugs and alcohol are on the rise in Maryland.  On Tuesday, figures from the state health department show an increase in the number of drug and alcohol-related intoxication deaths in Maryland. "The numbers are not good. There are more people dying from overdose in our city than are dying from homicide," City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said.

"Heroin deaths continuing to rise in Maryland" (Baltimore Sun) May 19, 2015

May 19th, 2015

The department's annual tally of drug- and alcohol-related deaths shows heroin's toll continuing a steep rise that began several years ago. The number of heroin-related deaths in 2014 was 25 percent higher than the previous year, and more than double the total in 2010. The Baltimore task force is scheduled to issue its recommendations to Rawlings-Blake in July. Dr. Leana S. Wen, the city health commissioner, said the new state statistics confirm what she calls a "public health crisis" — but a preventable one.

Health Commissioner Says State Report Reinforces Need For Aggressive Response To Combat Overdose Deaths In Baltimore

May 19th, 2015

A new report detailing drug and alcohol-related intoxication deaths in Maryland reinforces the need for Baltimore to take measures, many of which are newly underway, to aggressively prevent overdose deaths in the city. The report, released today by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, shows a 23 percent increase in drug and alcohol overdose deaths in Baltimore City.  “More people are dying from overdoses than from homicides in our city,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen. “It’s a public health crisis to have people dying from a preventable illness.”

Shuttle Service to Wal-Mart and Supermarkets

May 18th, 2015

The Baltimore City Health Department announces a revised schedule for the free shuttle service from 10 residential buildings in areas impacted by the recent civil unrest to a WalMart and supermarkets, ensuring that residents have access to food and other daily necessities. The shuttle service will operate Monday – Friday during the month of May, with pickups at 930 am & 1:30 pm. The shuttle schedule can be found below.

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