Press Releases

Health Commissioner Says State Report Reinforces Need For Aggressive Response To Combat Overdose Deaths In Baltimore

May 19th, 2015

A new report detailing drug and alcohol-related intoxication deaths in Maryland reinforces the need for Baltimore to take measures, many of which are newly underway, to aggressively prevent overdose deaths in the city. The report, released today by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, shows a 23 percent increase in drug and alcohol overdose deaths in Baltimore City.  “More people are dying from overdoses than from homicides in our city,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen. “It’s a public health crisis to have people dying from a preventable illness.”

Wellmobile Parked In Penn-North Community To Assist Residents As Recovery Continues

May 6th, 2015

The University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing Governor’s Wellmobile will be parked at the corner of North Avenue and Fulton Avenue in the city’s Penn-North community today through Friday May 8th from 11am to 5pm each day.  The Wellmobile will be staffed by volunteers from the University of Maryland Baltimore as well as staff from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods and the Baltimore City Health Department.

13 City Pharmacies Remain Closed; Baltimore City Health Department Working To Ensure Prescription Availability For Residents Impacted By Civil Unrest

May 2nd, 2015

The Health Department is leading efforts with the city’s 311 system to ensure prescription medicine is available to residents impacted by civil unrest.

Baltimore City Health Department Working To Ensure Prescription Availability For Residents Impacted By Civil Unrest

May 1st, 2015

The Baltimore City Health Department is leading efforts with the city’s 311 system to ensure prescription medicine is available to residents who are impacted by the current civil unrest. At least 10 retail pharmacies are closed, including two CVS locations that were burned, and eight Rite Aid locations that suffered fire and / or looting damage.

Health Department Working To Provide Access and Information For Critical Health Services, Announces Webpage For Clinical Updates

Apr 30th, 2015

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen work to ensure uninterrupted access to health care. 

City Agencies & Private Sector Partnering To Deliver Counseling And Mental Health Services to Communities Impacted by Violence and Civil Unrest

Apr 29th, 2015

Coordinated efforts across multiple agencies and private organizations to address trauma. 

"Mayor and Health Commissioner Holding Second Community Forum For Heroin Treatment and Prevention Taskforce"

Apr 20th, 2015

This week, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen will be holding the second community forum for the Heroin Treatment and Prevention Taskforce.  This is the second of two community meetings to hear from community stakeholders regarding overdose issues. The meeting will be held April 23 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm at East Baltimore Development Inc., 1731 E. Chase Street and is open to the public.   The meeting will include community conversation around three issues: Preventing fatal heroin overdoses; increasing access to quality treatment; and improving neighborhood compatibility.  See the attached press release for additional information.

"Mayor and Health Commissioner to Hold First of Two Community Forums For Heroin Treatment and Prevention Taskforce"

Mar 31st, 2015

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen will be holding the first community forum for the Heroin Treatment and Prevention Taskforce. This taskforce was convened last fall by Mayor Rawlings-Blake to address the critical problem of opioid addiction. Its goal was to study the problem of heroin addiction and propose solutions for improving access to effective treatment and neighborhood compatibility.  

"Baltimore Health Commissioner Leads Coalition of Physicians and Public Health Advocates In Support of State Ban On Powdered Alcohol (Palcohol)"

Mar 26th, 2015

Citing the potential dangers of powdered alcohol for both youth and adults, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D. has convened a coalition of public health and physician leaders in support of banning the substance in Maryland. “Our efforts need to be focused on making alcoholic products less, not more, available to young people across our state,” Dr Wen said. 

"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.  

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