Last week, I was joined by my leadership team as we went before the City Council to present our budget proposal for fiscal year 2020.  The preparation for our budget presentation was truly a team effort and I'm thankful to our leadership team for their hard work and dedication in advocating on behalf of the Department and the residents we serve.  I am especially grateful for the ongoing support from Baltimore City Council.  Although only a portion of our operating budget is derived from local sources, I remain grateful for the backing of our local elected officials— their cooperation and leadership enables us to effectively meet countless public health challenges and also allows us to make good on our commitment to provide for a healthier community where all Baltimoreans can thrive.  If you would like to view the hearing, click here.

June is a busy month at the Health Department! June 8 marked Caribbean-American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and on June 27 we will observe National HIV Testing Day.  A number of BCHD staff also participated in two events this past weekend to further raise awareness around the effect or the AIDS epidemic in Balimore: Chase Brexton's AIDS Walk and Music Festival and Baltimore in Conversation. We are proud of all of the participants and remain committed to the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic  Visit our website and learn more about #PeopleWhoLookLikeMe, a campaign to end the HIV epidemic and in commemoration for National HIV Testing day on June 27, please go out and get tested and encourage others to get tested.  

Tomorrow marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Today, our Division of Aging, in conjunction with the Zeta Center for Healthy and Active Aging, hosted an event to raise awareness of elder abuse as well as encourage intervention and prevention of elder abuse. Please take time to regularly check for signs of abuse in the older adults in your life.  

Letitia Dzirasa, MD.

Baltimore City Commissioner of Health