In her op-ed, Dr. Leana Wen warns of the implications of the proposed "gag rule" - including undermining patients’ rights & violating core values of the healing professions.

"Imagine a world in which we deprive patients seeking help for diabetes of access to treatment, such that the only patients who can access care are those with health insurance from their employers or are wealthy enough to pay out-of-pocket. Imagine that even when patients decide on a course of action best suited for them, clinicians knowingly withhold evidence-based treatment. Reproductive health is a critical part of every woman’s health care. Standard medical care should be based on science, not ideology. The fundamental right to health cannot be a privilege reserved only for those who can afford it."

Read the entire op-ed.

First came the rains. Now come the mosquitoes.

Populations of the itch-inducing insects have multiplied across Maryland — in many areas up to three times their normal early summer numbers — because of recent storms and flooding that have given them an abundance of water to breed in.

Read the entire story.

The Baltimore City Health Department has declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Tuesday. It is the first Code Red of the 2018 season.

"Hundreds of people die every year from heat-related illness," Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said. "Heat is a silent killer and a threat to the health of everyone in our city, particularly the young, the elderly and those with chronic diseases. In weather like this, it’s important for everyone to protect against hyperthermia and dehydration."

Read the entire story.

Chilled water bottles were in high demand Monday morning at the Northern Community Action Partnership Center. 

The building on York Road was doubling as a cooling center for neighbors seeking a reprieve from Monday’s oppressive heat. While most people there were clients waiting to see caseworkers about housing, energy assistance and other needs, others visited strictly to keep cool.

Read the entire story.