On Monday, we announced the launch of our 14th Virtual Supermarket site at Ruscombe Gardens, a residential center for seniors. Our Virtual Supermarket program provides easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables for those living in Healthy Food Priority Areas across the City. Since the Health Department launched the Virtual Supermarket program in 2010, nearly $600,000 worth of groceries have been purchased, with 43 percent of customers buying more fruits and vegetables. I joined our partners at Shoprite to distribute groceries to the residents and to discuss the importance of this program in helping Baltimoreans make the healthy choice the easy choice.

Just as food insecurity impacts a range of neighborhoods and communities in Baltimore, addiction does not discriminate. On Sunday, I joined in worship and spoketo congregants of Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church and the greater Bolton Hill community about the Health Department’s opioid overdose prevention and treatment work, and conducted a naloxone training for all the attendees. The event also featured poignant testimonials from attendees about their recovery journeys. It is important to acknowledge that addiction is a disease, treatment works, and recovery is possible. Research shows that naloxone distribution reduces fatal overdoses without increasing drug use, and that Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), combined with psychosocial supports, is critical to treating opioid addiction. Faith communities can help dispel myths about addiction, fight stigma, and collectively advocate for medical best practices in addressing this epidemic.

This week, I celebrate and recognize social workers – the “unsung heroes” working in our hospitals and clinics every day. As an emergency physician, I rely on social work professionals for so much. I was privileged to keynote the Mercy Hospital luncheon celebrating National Social Work Month, where I discussed the importance of social workers to safeguarding health in our City. Social workers are the ultimate problem solvers who are advocates, champions, and leaders. We celebrate them today and every day!

It is often said that “public health saved your life today, you just didn’t know it.” But maybe it’s time for people to know – maybe it’s time for those of us working in public health to tell the stories of the communities we serve, and to make the case for public health every day. I am grateful to work with a dedicated team committed to making the progress earned through public health visible.

Leana Wen, M.D., M.Sc.

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