Note From The Commissioner:
Dear Community Partner,
This week, I celebrated the Asian-American
and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebration as the keynote speaker
for the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. By invitation of Special Agent in Charge
Gordon Johnson, I applauded the efforts of the FBI to embrace diversity and
inclusion in their work. I discussed the shared core values driving the work of
those of us on the frontlines of public health and public safety: Compassion,
fairness, and respect for the dignity of all those we protect. And I had the
opportunity conduct a naloxone training for agents and analysts and discuss how
addiction is a disease for which we must all approach with urgency.
All sectors must be engaged to protect our
community’s health and well-being. I was glad to provide the opening keynote
for the United Way of Central Maryland’s Emerging Leaders United Young Professionals
Conference. These young professionals are coming from backgrounds as diverse as
finance, law, architecture, and accounting, but each of them are engaged in
social justice and community service. Researchers and academics can be just as
engaged. Last Thursday, I presented to doctors, nurses, and public health
researchers as part of the Women’s Health, Sex, and Gender Research Symposium
at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. There, I discussed the
importance of academic researchers building relationships with the local
communities in which they work. Everyone can make a difference in the
communities we live and serve.
The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
once said: “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are
confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of fire
and history, there ‘is’ such a thing as being too late. This is no time for
apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”
Public health and public service are about taking
this vigorous, positive action. We cannot wait. It is an honor to lead the
Baltimore City Health Department and to work with all of our partners to save
lives and strive towards a healthier Baltimore.
Leana Wen,
M.D., M.Sc.
WYPR 88.1FM – Dr. Wen Participates in Midday’s
“Healthwatch” Segment
Last Friday, Baltimore
City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen participated in a live edition of
Midday’s “Healthwatch” with Tom Hall. Dr. Wen discussed cardiovascular disease,
new opioid legislation, dangers of synthetic marijuana, and the City’s new "Levels of Care" initiative, focused
on recognizing and implementing best practices within the City’s hospitals for
responding to the opioid epidemic.
“Cardiovascular
disease is the number one killer in Baltimore, in Maryland, and across the
United States,” said Dr. Wen. “There are three things we can do now to reduce
our risk of heart disease. First, stop smoking. It is the number one
preventable contributor to heart disease. Just one year after stopping smoking,
you reduce your risk of heart disease by half. Second, know your numbers and
know your body. Third, watch what we put into our bodies and get and stay
active. Finally, if you feel that something isn't right, don't hesitate to call
for help.”
To listen to
the full interview, click here.
Dr. Wen Speaks at
United Way of Central Maryland’s Emerging Young Leaders United (ELU) Young
Professionals Conference
Dr. Wen was
invited by President and CEO of the United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM)
Franklyn Baker to speak at UWCM’s Young Professionals Conference last Friday.
She shared her personal and professional trajectory, while detailing a
broad range of programs and initiatives led by the Health Department. Speakers
at previous conferences include: Dr. Redonda Miller (President, Johns Hopkins
Hospital); Wes Moore (author and social entrepreneur); and Tom Geddes (CEO,
Plank Industries).
"I am
thrilled to be celebrating the achievements of the United Way of Central
Maryland's Emerging Leaders United group," said Dr. Wen. "These young
leaders are making a difference every day through their service and their
commitment to social justice. I commend the United Way for developing and
supporting leaders in all sectors who will continue to make a difference in
Baltimore, in Maryland, and the country."
Pictured with
Dr. Wen are, from left, Mr. Baker (UWCM), Jacki Anderson (Executive Assistant
to the Commissioner, Health Department, formerly with UWCM), and Jeremy
Rosendale (Director, Emerging Leaders UWCM).
Dr. Wen Gives Keynote
at Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration at FBI
Baltimore Field Office
On Wednesday,
Dr. Wen gave the keynote address at the Asian-American and Pacific Islander
(AAPI) Heritage Month celebration at the FBI Baltimore Field Office. Dr. Wen
discussed the Health Department’s collaboration with law enforcement officials
to address the opioid crisis, including the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion
(LEAD) Program and the Fentanyl Task Force. She also discussed her personal
and professional journey as an immigrant and as an Asian-American working in
public service. In doing so, she identified ways in which the mission of the
FBI and the work of the Health Department align.
“I applaud the
FBI’s efforts to embrace diversity and inclusion,” said Dr. Wen. “It is an
honor to have been invited to speak at the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office by
Special Agent in Charge, Gordon Johnson, and to meet some outstanding leaders
with whom we share core values: compassion, fairness, integrity, and respect
for the dignity of all those we protect.”
Dr. Wen is
pictured with, from left, Supervisory Intelligence Analyst Raymond Tu and
Special Agent in Charge Gordon Johnson.
To learn more
about the Health Department’s opioid overdose prevention and treatment work,
click here.
Dr. Wen Gives Keynote
at Women’s Health, Sex, and Gender Research Symposium at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg
School of Public Health
Last Thursday, Dr.
Ellen MacKenzie, Dean of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health,
welcomed Dr. Wen to provide keynote remarks at the Women’s Health, Sex, and
Gender Research Symposium, organized by the Women’s Health Research Group. Dr.
Wen discussed the Health Department’s efforts to reduce racial disparities in
health for women and children, specifically pointing to the B’More for Healthy
Babies Initiative, which has reduced infant mortality in the City by nearly 40
percent in seven years. Last year’s symposium keynote was delivered by former
Senator Barbara Mikulski.
"I applaud
the Johns Hopkins Center for Women's Health, Sex and Gender Research Group and
its co-directors, Drs. Wendy Bennett and Sabra Klein, for organizing a very
important symposium around women's health in Baltimore," said Dr. Wen. "I
also commend the Group for emphasizing the importance of evidence-based program
evaluation in their work, and for building connections with the larger
Baltimore community in their research. I enjoyed speaking about the Health
Department's efforts to improve the health and well-being of women, children,
and families."
For more about Dr.
Wen’s reflections on women in leadership, click here.
Health Department Hosts Intergenerational
Mother's Day Event at the Zeta Center for Healthy Aging
In recognition of
Mother's Day and Older American's Month, the Health Department hosted its
annual Intergenerational Mother's Day Escape at the Zeta Center for Healthy and
Active Aging last Thursday. This event was a joint effort by the Zeta Center, the
Grandparents as Parents (GAP) Program, and the Carver Vocational-Technical High
School. Grandparents who serve as primary caregivers were offered a day of
respite, pampering, and health services at the Center. Deputy Commissioner of
Aging and CARE Services Heang Tan provided greetings and welcomed guests at the
annual event.
To learn more about
the Health Department's Grandparents as Parents Program, click here.
Health Department Bids Fond Farewell to
Deputy Commissioner for Youth Wellness and Community Health After 33 Years of
Service to Baltimore City
Last Thursday, the Health Department
gathered to celebrate Olivia Farrow’s 33 years of dedicated service to Baltimore
City. Over the course of her career, Ms. Farrow served as Deputy Commissioner for
Youth Wellness and Community Health, Deputy Commissioner
for the Division of Community and Environmental Health, Environmental Health
Specialist, and Interim Health Commissioner (March 2009 – August 2010). In 2012,
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake appointed Ms. Farrow to direct the Mayor’s
Office of Human Services. In 2015, Dr. Wen invited Ms. Farrow back to the
Health Department to serve as Deputy Commissioner for Youth Wellness and
Community Health. She was one of Dr. Wen’s first hires, in recognition of her
experience and leadership.
Pictured above at
the celebration: Dr. Wen, Ms. Farrow, and Ms. Farrow’s mother, Ms. Lois Dabney
(seated).
The Health
Department wishes Ms. Farrow a fond farewell and all the best in her retirement.
Mayor Pugh Joins Division of Aging and CARE
Services to Celebrate Maryland Centenarians
Last Thursday,
members of the Division of Aging and CARE Services and the Baltimore City
Commission on Aging joined Mayor Catherine E. Pugh at the 26th
Annual Centenarian Recognition Ceremony at Martin's West. The event was
sponsored by the Health Department, AARP, and the Social Security
Administration, among others, in celebration of centenarians. There are more
than 1,800 centenarians in Maryland, and 160 of them were recognized at the
event. Mayor Pugh brought greetings and congratulations, and Deputy
Commissioner Heang Tan received an award on behalf of the Health Department's
Aging programs.
"We are all
seniors in training, and we need to take care of our health," said Mayor
Pugh.
To learn more about
the Health Department’s Senior Initiatives and Services, click here.
Baltimarket Food Access and Nutrition Manager
Shares “Sugar Shocker” at the Food Depot in Southwest Baltimore
Last Saturday, the
Health Department’s Baltimarket team offered nutrition education at Food Depot
in the Westside Shopping Center. Baltimarket Food Access and Nutrition Manager Jasina
Wise shared the “Sugar Shocker,” which allows people to see and hold the exact
amount of sugar contained in popular snack beverages. People were shocked when
they learned about the high sugar content in a single bottle or can of their
favorite soda, juice, tea, or sports drink.
Baltimarket offers nutrition
education at Lexington Market and other community spaces. To learn more
about the initiative, click here.
Clinical Director for School-Based Health
Centers Participates in Baltimore College Signing Day
The Health Department’s Clinical Director for School-Based Health Centers, Joy Twesigye, represented Dr. Wen at Baltimore College Signing Day last Friday at the Royal Farms Arena.
Baltimore College Signing Day is a pep rally-style event for all graduating Baltimore City Public School seniors. The purpose of College Signing Day is to inspire students to take charge of their future by completing their education at a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university. The event was coordinated by the #ReachHigherBmore Baltimore College Signing Day Host Committee.
To learn more about the Health Department’s School-Based Health Centers, click here.
Health Department
Celebrates Older American’s Month at the Waxter Center for Senior Citizens
Last Wednesday, the
Health Department’s Division of Aging and CARE Services presented a special
monthly caregiver’s program, “Waxter Wisdom,” in recognition of Older
American’s Month. The program, held at the Waxter Center for Senior Citizens,
offers caregivers year-long education, support, and respite in the midst of
providing care for their loved ones. This month’s presentation featured
theatrical performances of the works of rhythm and blues singers Luther
Vandross and Phyllis Hyman. The event had more than 200 attendees, while more
than 15 vendors and partnering agencies participated.
Click here to learn more
about the Family Caregivers Program at the Health Department.
Director of Opioid Overdose Prevention Speaks
to Students at Towson University
On Tuesday, Director
of Opioid Overdose Prevention José Rodriguez spoke to Towson University
undergraduate students at the invitation of Ms. Tausi Suedi, Adjunct Professor
of Global Health. Mr. Rodriguez shared his career path, performed a naloxone
training, and answered questions about the Health Department’s response to the opioid
epidemic.
To learn more about
the Health Department’s Overdose and Prevention response, click here.
OPHPR Participates in
Maryland Region III Health & Medical Coalition Surge/Evacuation Exercise
Last Thursday,
the Health Department’s Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response
(OPHPR) participated in a no-notice emergency preparedness exercise with the
Maryland Region III Health & Medical Coalition. The exercise simulated
evacuations of Johns Hopkins Hospital and Sinai Hospital, and included
participation from all 21 acute care hospitals in the region and multiple local
and state agencies.
In the simulation,
Baltimore City was experiencing severe heat, and the two hospitals lost power
and needed to evacuate patients. Once OPHPR received notice that the hospitals
were being evacuated, staff assembled in the Health Department Operations
Center and sent out alerts to partners, including the Baltimore City Fire
Department, the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management, Maryland Department of
Health, and other health care partners in the region. The evacuating hospitals
used electronic systems and phone calls to find bed placements and appropriate
transports for their patients.
OPHPR shared
information regarding the event via an online platform, WebEOC, and helped to
coordinate information and resource requests during the evacuations.
For more
information about the work of OPHPR, click here.
Coming Up: Baltimore
in Conversation
Join the Health
Department for the fifth edition of Baltimore
in Conversation on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at the Maryland Institute College
of Art’s BBox: The Gateway performance space, located at 1601 W. Mt. Royal Ave.
The bi-annual storytelling
event’s theme this year is “resilience.” Speakers will share stories about the social
determinants of health and discuss the importance of empathy between patients
and providers.
The event is
free and open to the public. Please RSVP to: IMPACT.Campaign@baltimorecity.gov.
Older American’s Month Activities
May is Older
American’s Month, and this year’s theme is “Engage at Every Age,” emphasizing
that you are never too old (or young) to take part in activities that can
enrich your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Older American’s Month also
celebrates the many ways in which older adults make a difference in our
communities.
The Division of
Aging and CARE Services is hosting a number of events to recognize Older
American’s Month:
- May
23, 2018: Family Caregivers Conference, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at Morgan State
- May
30, 2018: National Senior Fitness Day, 10:00 am to 12:00pm at Patterson Park
(in partnership with the Dept. of Rec and Parks)
To attend or
participate as a vendor, please call contact Jose.Jimenez@baltimorecity.gov or
call the Community Services Office at (410) 396-1337. Click here to download the event flyer.
Health Department Offers
Naloxone Trainings at Enoch Pratt Free Libraries
Learn how to save a life from an opioid
overdose. Health Department staff will conduct naloxone trainings at various
Enoch Pratt Free Libraries. Registration is not required.
Monday, May 21 at 2:00 p.m.
Light Street Branch, 1251 Light Street, 21230
Monday, June 18 at 6:00 p.m.
Patterson Park Branch, 158 N. Linwood Avenue,
21224
Wednesday, June 20 at 2:00 p.m.
Orleans Street, 1303 Orleans Street, 21231
Tuesday, July 17 at 1:00 p.m.
Reisterstown Branch, 6310 Reisterstown Road,
21215
Thursday, July 19 at 1:00 p.m.
Forest Park Branch, 3023 Garrison Blvd., 21216
Thursday, August 2 at 2:00 p.m.
Northwood Branch, 4420 Loch Raven Blvd.,
21218
Friday, August 3 at 10 a.m.
Hamilton Branch, 5910 Harford Rd., 21214
To learn more, visit www.dontdie.org.
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