By: Jennifer Aufill

On Tuesday, Dr. Leana Wen joined Congressman Xavier Becerra and Maryland Delegate Ana Sol Gutierrez for “Who Writes the Rules? Millennials Rising in 2016,” a discussion hosted by the Roosevelt Institute on how young people can empower their communities through public participation.

During the event in Philadelphia this week, Dr. Wen called on the audience comprised of aspiring young leaders to find a way to get involved, rather than waiting for what they may perceive to be the “perfect opportunity.”

“There is already so much that needs to be done in our local communities. Don't wait; there's work to be done where we are right now,” Dr. Wen said.

The opioid epidemic has been at the forefront of Dr. Wen’s mind since she came to the Baltimore City Health Department. Even though opioid addiction has been rampant in the city for many decades, it wasn’t until recently that people began to view it as a public health issue. People used to believe that addiction was a moral failing or something that only affected the poor. With the recent uptick in opioid overdoses, more and more the nation is witnessing opioid addiction as a disease that affects people of all walks of life from varying socio-economic statuses across the spectrum. 

“It’s disingenuous for us to talk about addiction as a disease without talking about it as a civil right issue,” Dr. Wen said. There is immense hypocrisy in viewing opioid addiction as a disease for the wealthy and as a personal affliction for the poor.

Dr. Wen also discussed how public health officials have begun viewing gun violence as a public health issue and how fighting for this change in perspective has been an uphill battle. “At the health department, we strongly believe that health is tied to everything,” Dr. Wen said. “We look at every issue as it ties to health form the equity perspective.”

Gun violence affects the health and wellbeing of thousands of Americans every year, it brings people to the hospital emergency room, and it spreads from person to person. If any other disease were spreading this quickly, people would be frightened-- rightfully so.  Dr. Wen urged the young leaders at the talk to view gun violence as preventable and treatable, just like any other illness.

Lastly, Dr. Wen emphasized that while public health officials will face challenges, they need to remember the communities they serve and the people whose lives depend on their service. “I want to tell this young group to not only think about what it is we are fighting against, but who it is we are fighting for,” Dr. Wen said. “We have that responsibility of bringing service to our communities today.”