BALTIMORE, MD (November 29, 2016) – Today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement in response to the selection of Congressman Tom Price as President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services:

“As a fellow physician and public official, I urge Congressman Price, upon confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services, to commit to an investment in public health.

“Today, I joined directors of health departments – representing 11 cities who protect public health of over 30 million people – to share our recommendations to ensure health and well-being with Vice President-Elect Pence, Congressman Price, and the transition team.

“We are on the frontlines of health in America, and we see that our healthcare system, despite its cost, does not guarantee quality health outcomes and well-being to all Americans. We do not invest in early interventions that would reduce the need for expensive healthcare down the line.

“A commitment to fiscal responsibility is a commitment to public health. This is also a matter of national security. A lack of attention to our public health infrastructure makes us vulnerable to bioterrorism and to the threat of emerging diseases like Ebola, Zika, and antibiotic-resistant infections.

“We in local public health depend on partners at the state and federal levels of government to fulfill our duties to keep our residents safe and healthy. I urge the incoming administration to consider public health approaches to major health challenges, including the opioid epidemic that has been devastating families and communities across the country. These investments would improve Americans’ health, save the government valuable resources, and enhance our national security.

“We look forward to working with the new administration to find common ground in order to protect the well-being and ensure the safety of all of our citizens.”