Press Releases

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Expresses Grave Concern about Steep Rise in Overdose

Jun 8th, 2017

BALTIMORE, MD (June 8, 2017)—Today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement in response to the release of overdose death data, which shows that there were 694 fatal overdoses in Baltimore City in 2016.

Baltimore City Health Department Hosts Storytelling Events to Address Sexual Health Stigma

Jun 8th, 2017

BALTIMORE, MD (June 1, 2017) — Today, the Baltimore City Health Department will kick off two days of art, images and storytelling celebrating Baltimore’s LGBTQ communities of color to address social stigma and inspire empathy and action. The semi-annual Project Presence photo exhibit and Baltimore in Conversation storytelling event will take place on back-to-back evenings, with Project Presence taking place on Thursday, June 8, and Baltimore in Conversation taking place on Friday, June 9 at BBOX in the Gateway Building at MICA, located at 1601 West Mt. Royal Avenue. The events are free and open to the public.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Signs New Standing Order for Opioid Overdose Reversal Medication

Jun 1st, 2017

New legislation allows residents to receive naloxone without having to complete unnecessary paperwork

BALTIMORE, MD (June 1, 2017) — Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen today signed a new standing order, which effectively makes naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal medication, available over-the-counter for Baltimore City residents.

Today, a new bipartisan law, known as the Heroin and Opioid Prevention Effort or HOPE Act (SB967/HB1329), goes into effect that removes the previously-required training to receive a naloxone prescription. While the training itself is brief, the mandate created unnecessary paperwork that inhibited outreach workers’ ability to reach more residents with the life-saving medication.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Worried about Health of Millions after Congressional Budget Office Confirms Effects of American Health Care Act

May 24th, 2017

BALTIMORE, MD (May 24, 2017)Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen today issued the following statement in response to the Congressional Budget Office’s report on the American Health Care Act, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 4, 2017.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Fears Proposed Federal Budget Harms Health of Baltimoreans

May 23rd, 2017

BALTIMORE, MD (May 23, 2017)—Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen today issued the following statement in response to the release of President Trump’s proposed federal budget.

Baltimore City Announces Zika Preparedness Plan

May 23rd, 2017

Officials urge residents to take caution to prevent the spread of Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses

BALTIMORE, MD (May 23, 2017)—Baltimore City officials today announced citywide efforts to prevent the spread of Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses. The Zika virus is spread by mosquito bite or unprotected sex and is linked to serious birth defects.

Baltimore City Health Department Announces Beginning of 2017 Code Red Season

May 15th, 2017

BALTIMORE, MD (May 15, 2017)—The Baltimore City Health Department today announced the start of Baltimore City’s Code Red program for the coming summer.

Code Red is a multi-agency effort to provide heat education and cooling relief to vulnerable populations in Baltimore. Throughout the summer, City agencies provide public education to residents about the effects of sustained heat on health and perform community outreach regarding energy assistance programs for senior residents and other susceptible groups through Community Action Partnership Centers.

Baltimore City Health Officials Warn Residents of Dangers of Unlicensed Cosmetic Tattooing

May 10th, 2017

Cosmetic tattooing, known as “microblading,” in unlicensed facilities poses risk of permanent scars and contagious disease

BALTIMORE, MD (May 10, 2017)—Today, the Baltimore City Health Department warned residents about the growing trend of microblading in unlicensed facilities, such as salons, across Baltimore City.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Worried About Health of Millions After Passage of House Bill to Replace the Affordable Care Act

May 4th, 2017

BALTIMORE, MD (May 4, 2017) – Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen today issued the following statement in response to the Republican House bill that would replace the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Baltimore City Officials Urge Residents to Safely Dispose of Unused Prescription Drugs

Apr 28th, 2017

During National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, residents can deposit medications at ten permanent return boxes across the city

BALTIMORE, MD (April 28, 2017) –  On Saturday, April 29th, Baltimore City officials will recognize National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a nationwide initiative to highlight safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs in communities, while raising awareness about prescription drug addiction.

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