In this year’s General Assembly, our team here at BCHD is focusing our attention and advocacy efforts on policies and proposals that will improve the health of residents and reduce disparities in Baltimore and across the state.  

This week, I joined WYPR’s Midday with Tom Hall for the latest HealthWatch, where we discussed legislation that would improve the wellbeing of residents and lower healthcare costs. For example, we know that paid sick leave policies, such as those proposed in House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 230, allow employees to seek care promptly, reduce the chance of spreading disease, and enable caregivers to support families. Meanwhile, proposals such as House Bills 631 and 666 and Senate Bills 415 and SB 437 that ensure lifesaving and life-enhancing prescriptions remain affordable are key to promoting the health, wellness and security of communities. While on the show, I also mentioned an exciting personal announcement, but you will have tune in to learn more!

We must also adopt new policies to combat the opioid epidemic, which continues to take the lives of hundreds across Baltimore City. In this public health emergency, we need every tool at our disposal to save lives. That is why we have made it a priority to expand access to naloxone, which has been used by everyday residents in Baltimore to save more than 800 lives since 2015. We strongly support polices like House Bill 791, also known as Senate Bill 868, which will specifically increase access to this life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication by eliminating the training requirement for its prescription to ensure that every Marylander can have the power to save a life.

As I told the next generation of medical professionals at the American Medical Student Association’s national conference this week, activism is not easy, but it is our responsibility to do the right thing by caring for the most vulnerable. That is the role of public health. Our work is inextricably connected to social justice and it is our duty to speak up for those who do not have the privilege or power to do so.

I look forward to continuing to work with our leaders in Maryland and across the country to ensure that the residents of Baltimore have an advocate to support their health and wellbeing.

Sincerely,

Leana Wen, M.D., M.Sc.