Public health is inextricably tied to social justice. Our work every day focuses on helping residents across Baltimore to cut rampant health disparities in our communities. 

Recently, the potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) threatened our efforts to improve health and reduce disparities. While I am relieved about the outcome thus far, I remain concerned about potential federal impact on our work here in Baltimore. As I discussed on HealthWatch WYPR Midday with Tom Hall and wrote about in The Daily Record, this debate is not about politics or policy, but about the American people. Those of us on the frontlines of public health must remain vigilant in responding to the needs of our most vulnerable and commit to standing up for those without the privilege or power to do so. 

That is why in Baltimore, we are doubling down on public health. This week, we released our 2017 State of Health in Baltimore, a white paper outlining our four public health priorities: behavioral health, violence prevention, chronic disease prevention, and life course and core services. These priorities align with Healthy Baltimore 2020 (HB2020), our strategic blueprint for cutting health disparities by half over the next ten years. While our goal may seem ambitious, this aspiration is in fact grounded in the work that our team at BCHD tackles each day, from comprehensive wellness services for our most vulnerable children to ensuring that seniors are able to age with dignity and respect.

In that spirit, we held our latest Healthy Baltimore 2020 Community Conversation this week focused on our work on chronic disease prevention. During the meeting, where we were joined by Mayor Pugh, we heard directly from members of our community about the challenges our residents face every day and celebrated those in our city who are equally committed to combatting health inequity. I want to congratulate all of our latest Health Equity Leadership Award winners and to commend our outstanding staff in the Office of Chronic Disease Prevention! By developing a comprehensive approach to fighting the chronic conditions that remain the major causes of death in our city, we can ensure access to resources and support in order for people to enjoy long, healthy, and well lives.

Along with the 2017 State of Health in the City white paper, we also released the 2017 Neighborhood Health Profiles, which measure 60 health indicators across neighborhoods in Baltimore, providing a detailed analysis of health in communities as well as for the city as a whole. I am proud to acknowledge that these reports show that health across our city is indeed improving. Yet, we know too well that disparities remain, and we must continue working to ensure that a person’s zip code does not dictate their life expectancy or well-being.

As discussions about health policy continue, I urge our leaders to act in the best interest of the health and well-being of our nation. Thousands of Baltimoreans, millions of Americans, and generations to come depend on us to safeguard life.

Sincerely,

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

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