Press Releases

"Mayor and Health Commissioner Honor Four Baltimore Adults and Eight Youths As “Baltimorphosis Changemakers” Against Youth Violence"

Mar 25th, 2015

Today as part of National Youth Violence Prevention Week, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake and Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D. recognized the accomplishments of 12 city residents who are “changemakers” in the community by presenting them with a 2015 Baltimorphosis Changemaker award.  

"With Half of the City’s Hypothermia Deaths Involving Alcohol Intoxication,Health Commissioner Issues Warning: Alcohol and Cold Temperatures Do Not Mix And Can Be Deadly"

Mar 6th, 2015

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D. is reminding Baltimoreans of the dangers of alcohol use during cold weather. Baltimore remains under a Severe Code Blue declaration through 12 p.m. Saturday; the wind chill this evening will be around zero degrees and temperatures are expected to remain dangerously cold through approximately lunchtime on Saturday.  There have been 8 deaths in Baltimore due to hypothermia this season and 31 statewide. Alcohol intoxication was a contributing factor in half of the deaths in Baltimore.  “Drinking alcohol can be life-threatening for individuals in temperatures that are this low,” Dr. Wen said.  

"Baltimore City Health Commissioner Calls Increasing Cost Of Naloxone a “Public Health Crisis”; Issues Support For Inquiry Launched By Representative Cummings"

Mar 2nd, 2015

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D. today applauded two congressional leaders, including Maryland Representative Elijah E. Cummings, for their inquiry into increasing prices charged by one manufacturer of naloxone. Increasing the availability of naloxone, a medication used to safely reverse opioid overdoses, is a key component of Baltimore’s strategy to combat overdose deaths.

"Health Commissioner Issues Reminder That Running Water Is Critically Important For All Food Service Facilities"

Feb 26th, 2015

In light of the cold weather causing water main breaks and broken water pipes across the city, the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) is issuing a reminder that all food service facilities must have operating hot and cold water readily available according to state regulations.  “Having both hot and cold running water is essential for any business that is preparing or serving food to the public,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D

Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Health Commissioner Wen Announce Significant Reduction in Teen Pregnancies

Feb 24th, 2015

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D. joined with youth advocates to announce a significant reduction in Baltimore’s teen birth rate.

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Health Commissioner Extends Code Blue in Baltimore Through Wednesday Morning

Feb 21st, 2015

With dangerously cold weather expected to continue for several more days, the Code Blue alert has been extended through 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 25.

"Mayor Rawlings-Blake, Health Commissioner Issue Update Regarding Ongoing Code Blue Alert"

Feb 20th, 2015

With temperatures expected to fall below zero tonight and wind chills descending into the negative teens for the next two nights, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake is urging all city residents to take precautions to avoid serious health and safety consequences through the weekend. 

"Health Commissioner Extends Code Blue In Baltimore Through Friday"

Feb 16th, 2015

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D. has extended the Code Blue Alert through Friday, February 20.  This is the seventh Code Blue alert for Baltimore this winter.

"Health Commissioner Declares Code Blue In Baltimore For Monday And Tuesday"

Feb 1st, 2015

With predicted low temperatures and wind chills as low as the single-digits, Leana Wen, M.D., Baltimore City Health Commissioner, is declaring a Code Blue for Monday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 3. “The very cold temperatures that we’ve been experiencing recently will continue to be with us for the next two days, and the Baltimore City Health Department along with other city agencies will be working to ensure the safety of Baltimoreans,” Dr. Wen said.   “We want to make sure all residents know how to protect themselves from cold weather emergencies.”

Code Blue Declared in Baltimore For Friday & Saturday

Jan 29th, 2015

With predicted low temperatures in the teens and single-digit wind chills, Leana Wen, M.D., Baltimore City Health Commissioner, is declaring a Code Blue for January 30 & 31. This is the third Code Blue alert for Baltimore this season; previous declarations covered January 7 – 9 and January 27-28 (total of five days).

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