Recent News

AARP Foundation Grant to Support Food Access for Low-Income Senior Residents in Baltimore City

Jul 27th, 2017

Funding supports easy food delivery options and cooking classes

BALTIMORE (July 27, 2017) — The Baltimore City Health Department, American Heart Association and No Boundaries Coalition have joined forces to provide healthy food access for low-income Baltimore City seniors thanks to a $750,000 grant from AARP Foundation.

Baltimore City Health Department Hosts Healthy Baltimore 2020 Community Conversation on HIV, STD, and Clinical Services

Jul 25th, 2017

BALTIMORE, MD (July 25, 2017)—The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) today hosted the latest Healthy Baltimore 2020 Community Conversation, a town hall meeting offering residents the opportunity to provide public comment on Healthy Baltimore 2020—BCHD’s recently released strategic blueprint for health and wellness through the lens of health equity.

Note from the Commissioner: Expanding Baltimarket Healthy Stores Program

Jul 21st, 2017

This week, I had the opportunity to keynote the Women’s Wealth and Health Equity Summit hosted by Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings and Global Policy Solutions. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many women and men who are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of others across the country. Policy alone is not enough to make significant change—we also need action, resources, and dedication to service. 

I spoke about how choice is predicated on privilege and power. As an emergency physician, I see patients who come to me with complications of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. I can counsel them on the importance of making healthy food choices, but we also must make these options available—something that is difficult for the one in four Baltimoreans who lack access to healthy food. This is an issue of health and justice.

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Federal cuts affect Baltimore teen pregnancy prevention programs (WBAL-TV)

Jul 20th, 2017

The White House is cutting millions in federal funding to teen pregnancy prevention programs, which has left some in Baltimore feeling blindsided.

Baltimore City health leaders are scrambling to regroup this week after sudden word from the federal government that funding has been cut to two major teen pregnancy prevention programs.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is pulling the plug on more than $200 million in Obama-era grants to 81 teen pregnancy prevention programs and research projects across the country. It adds up to a $2 million budget gap for Baltimore's Healthy Teen Network.

"The whole field, I think, was blindsided," said Pat Paluzzi, with the Healthy Teen Network. "To all of a sudden get the letter saying your grant either ended June 30 of this year or was ending June 30 of next year, two years ahead of schedule, was a hard pill to swallow."

The Baltimore City Health Department is losing $3.5 million, which is the last two years of its grant to provide health education to middle and high school students.

"(It) means about 20,000 of our students are not going to be able to get these comprehensive reproductive health education services anymore," Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said.

Read the entire article.

Dangerous heat expected for Artscape weekend (WMAR-TV)

Jul 20th, 2017

With a heat index expected of between 101 and 104 degrees expected beginning tomorrow through the weekend, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has issued a Code Red Heat Advisory for Thursday, July 20, 2017 through Sunday, July 23, 2017. The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to individuals outside.

"Heat is a silent killer and a public health threat, particularly for the young, the elderly and those in our city who are the most vulnerable," Dr. Wen said. "As Baltimore prepares for a fun weekend with one of the nation's largest free arts festivals, it is important for all residents to protect against hyperthermia and dehydration. Please be cautious and remember to stay cool and hydrated."

Read entire article. 

Code Red Heat Advisory Issued For Baltimore For Artscape Weekend (WJZ-TV)

Jul 20th, 2017

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has issued a code red heat advisory for Artscape weekend.

The heat advisory is for Thursday, July 20, through Sunday, July 23, as the heat index is expected to be between 101 and 104 degrees

“Heat is a silent killer and a public health threat, particularly for the young, the elderly and those in our city who are the most vulnerable,” Dr. Wen said in a release. “As Baltimore prepares for a fun weekend with one of the nation’s largest free arts festivals, it is important for all residents to protect against hyperthermia and dehydration. Please be cautious and remember to stay cool and hydrated.”

Read entire article. 

Heat Advisory In Effect, Code Red Heat Advisory For The Weekend (WBAL Radio)

Jul 20th, 2017

Baltimore City health officials issued a Code Red heat advisory through Artscape weekend.

The heat and high humidity will make it feel like it is 105.

WBAL meteorologist Ava Marie says the extreme heat will remain through Monday.

“Heat is a silent killer and a public health threat, particularly for the young, the elderly and those in our city who are the most vulnerable,” health commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said in a statement. “As Baltimore prepares for a fun weekend with one of the nation’s largest free arts festivals, it is important for all residents to protect against hyperthermia and dehydration. Please be cautious and remember to stay cool and hydrated.”

Read the entire article. 

Baltimore health department gets $150,000 grant to expand healthy local stores program (Baltimore Sun)

Jul 20th, 2017

The Baltimore City Health Department has received a $150,000 grant to work with the owners of local corner stores to stock and sell healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods and low-fat milk.

The two-year grant from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission will be used to add 40 stores to the Baltimarket Healthy Stores Program, which now has 17 retailers participating. The health department will also hire 40 young people to serve as nutrition educators and supply the stores with advertising materials to promote the program. The program was started in 2014 with the goal of providing healthy food options to those living in so-called food deserts, or places with few traditional grocery stores.

Read the entire article.

Statewide Grant Brings Healthier Options To Baltimore Food Deserts (CBS)

Jul 20th, 2017

BALTIMORE (WJZ)–  The Baltimore City Health Department announced a $150,000 state grant to expand the “Baltimarket” program, making it easier for corner stores to carry healthy foods.

The new funds will provide credits, advertising and training to 40 more corner stores throughout the City to carry fresh fruits and vegetables.

This will bridge the gap for one in four Baltimoreans who live without easy access to healthy food.

“Baltimarket offers an innovative and effective way to increase access to fresh and healthy foods,” said Surina Ann Jordan with Maryland Community Health Resources.

“How can our patients eat well when they live in areas of food deserts? Where they have to go and take two buses or walk 25 blocks in order to get healthy fruits and vegetables,” said City health commissioner Dr. Leana Wen.

The inventory goes hand-and-hand with education; teaching customers that they can sub out unhealthy foods in their diet. The lessons come from hired youth ambassadors like high school senior Eva Wise.

“Some people were really surprised. They’re like, ‘wow, oh my gosh! They were like I need to change, I need to change,'” Wise said.

Read the entire story.

 

Summer heat can be tough for those working outdoors (Fox 45)

Jul 20th, 2017

Summer heat can be tough for those working outdoors

BALTIMORE (WBFF) -The summer sizzle has set into Baltimore, and for people who must work outdoors, the conditions can be tough. According to the Baltimore City Health Department there are 115 licensed food trucks. Brian Youse is the chef insid the ‘Crossroads Bistro’, which was parked Monday outside Baltimore City Hall.

“We have had it get up to 110 [degrees] in here," he explains. “We have two fans up top. They help a little bit, and just keep the back window for a little bit of a breeze."

Read entire article.

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