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, 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, 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, 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).