Bmore Healthy Newsletter: Friday, June 24, 2016
Note from Commissioner Dear Community Partner, In the last few weeks, our communities and our country have been victim to tragedy, including the events in Orlando in which 49 were killed and more than 53 wounded as a result of senseless gun violence. In these moments that test our faith and resolve, we must never forget that there is also so much right here in our city that can continue to give us hope. This week, House leaders, including Baltimore’s own Representatives Cummings, Ruppersbeger, and Sarbanes, joined a sit-in of the House floor that lasted more than 24 hours, where Members of Congress advocated for gun violence prevention policies to improve the safety of our communities. This impressive act of unity, solidarity, and commitment inspired me to continue believing in our power to make change, prevent injury, and save our citizens. Unlike so many medical ailments that do not have a cure or a vaccine, with gun violence, we can truly make progress if we come together to treat violence as a disease. I also have immense hope when considering the next generation of our city, knowing that we must do our part to create opportunities that help children thrive. On Tuesday, I had the honor of joining Mayor Rawlings-Blake to celebrate the grand-opening of Baltimore City’s newest Early Head Start Program. The newly renovated space, which operates in the former Cloverland Milk Bottle Building across form New Shiloh Baptist Church, will provide child development and family supports for families across West Baltimore. By providing this care to children within their own homes—and now in their communities—we can maximize the potential of our youth and provide the wraparound support families need for years to come. I ask that residents join with me and continue to hope, to believe, and to act so that we can cultivate the future of our communities—and our city. As always, thank you for your continued support in ensuring the health of our city’s residents, and working with us to promote a healthier, more inclusive, and more equitable city. With all my best, Leana Wen, M.D. M.Sc.
Agency News BCHD Celebrates Launch of New Early Head Start Facility
Baltimore’s Congressional Leaders Advocate for Gun Violence Prevention Legislation In an unprecedented moment of solidarity, House leaders, including Baltimore’s own Representatives Cummings, Ruppersbeger, and Sarbanes, joined civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, for a powerful protest this week. During the sit-in of the House floor that lasted more than 24 hours, Members of Congress called for a vote on gun violence prevention legislation, following the horrific tragedy in Orlando, Fl. We know the terrible statistics, and experts across our country agree: violence is a public health crisis. In Baltimore, public health approaches—like violence interruption and prevention—have been proven effective year after year. Dr. Wen issued the following letter in support of this week’s sit-in and in support of Baltimore’s leaders call for common sense reforms. Dr. Wen Speaks on the Power of Partnerships at the United Way of Central Maryland 91st Annual Meeting
New Alliance of Women Experts Formed to Combat Stigma around Opioid Addiction Treatment Awards Dr. Wen for Efforts on Addiction and Prevention
Congress Moves Closer to Providing Local Jurisdictions with Emergency Zika Funding After months of inaction, Congress is finally working towards a compromise that would provide emergency supplemental funding for Zika response. Though both the House and Senate proposals fall short of President Obama’s original $1.9 billion request, this is an important step towards preventing disastrous cuts that would limit the ability of local jurisdictions to adequately respond to this public health threat. While both Houses of Congress have named their members to a Conference Committee to negotiate a final deal, no date has been set and the House of Representatives are now in recess until after the Fourth of July holiday. We hope you will join us in calling for action and for funding.
BCHD Hosts Second Annual Black and White Affair
Are You on the Verge of Developing Type-2 Diabetes?
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Events June 27th is National HIV Testing Day: Urge Friends and Family to Get Tested
Healthy Baltimore 2020 Town Hall
News Clips
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