Bmore Healthy Newsletter: May 25, 2018

Baltimore City Health Department Bmore Healthy Weekly Newsletter

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Note From The Commissioner: 

Dear Community Partner,

This week, I was incredibly honored to deliver the Convocation address for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Class of 2018 on Tuesday. During Convocation, 916 graduates from 61 countries were awarded their degrees—153 doctoral degrees and 74 master's. These are the public health leaders of today and tomorrow!

The Bloomberg School’s mission is the cornerstone of public health – saving lives, millions at a time. This is the dedication to being the society’s doctor, and it’s exemplified through the leadership of Dean Ellen Mackenzie. This Convocation was Dr. Mackenzie’s first as the Dean, and I was particularly touched to receive the Dean’s Medal, the highest recognition conferred by the School for public health leaders. Previous awardees included former Senator Barbara Mikulski; Dr. Harold Varmus (Former Director, National Institutes of Health); Carol Bellamy (Former Executive Director, UNICEF); and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand.

In my remarks (starting at 50:50), I told the graduates to never let others tell them what public health can or cannot do. There are those that told our predecessors that they shouldn’t take on the tobacco industry, or that public health has no role in automobile safety or environmental regulation. How many millions of lives are saved every day because public health leaders took on those industries and refused to be silenced?

It’s been said that public health works best when we’re invisible – but if we are invisible, nobody else will make the case for us. We must be the constant voice, to talk about how cutting preparedness funding means uncontrolled disease outbreaks, and how gutting Medicaid has devastating impacts for pregnant women, children, and generations yet to come. As Former Senator Barbara Mikulski says, “Data validate, they don’t motivate.” Public health leaders must be motivators who make public health visible. Standing up for public health – for the public’s health – means that we will always be on the right side of history.

It was an honor to applaud, celebrate, and cheer on the Class of 2018 on their journey to save lives – millions at a time.

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


Dr. Wen Serves as Convocation Speaker at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Commencement Ceremony, Awarded Dean’s Medal 

Hopkins

 

On Tuesday, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen was invited by Dean Ellen MacKenzie of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to give the convocation address to the 916 graduates receiving their degrees. Of this year’s graduates, nearly 300 are international students representing more than 45 countries. At the ceremony, Dean MacKenzie presented Dr. Wen with the Public Health Dean’s Medal, the School’s highest honor conferred to outstanding leaders in public health. Previous awardees include: Former Senator Barbara Mikulski; Dr. Harold Varmus (Former Director, National Institutes of Health); Carol Bellamy (Former Executive Director, UNICEF); and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand.

“I am deeply honored to be invited by Dean Ellen MacKenzie to give the Convocation address at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, an institution that embodies its mission of saving lives—millions at a time,” said Dr. Wen. “In my role as Health Commissioner of Baltimore City, I have had the privilege of collaborating with the faculty, staff, and students at the Bloomberg School, and feel fortunate to count them as partners in our work to improve the health and well-being of Baltimoreans. I look forward to celebrating these graduates as they use their training in public health to address disparities and combat injustice in Baltimore, across the country and around the world.”

To watch Dr. Wen’s remarks (beginning at 50:50), click here.


Recording of Dr. Wen’s Panel at Women of the World Festival Available Online 

WOW Festival


Earlier this month, Dr. Wen met Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement, and spoke on the “Trailblazing Women of Baltimore” panel at the Women of the World (WOW) Festival alongside Major General Linda Singh, Sheela Murthy, Deb Tillett, Jamie McDonald, and Quinn Kelley. Dr. Wen discussed her personal and professional trajectory, and how female leaders can create inclusive environments for their female colleagues.

“Now that I am in a position of authority myself, I feel a particular responsibility to promote, support, and mentor other women,” said Dr. Wen. “At the Baltimore City Health Department, I am proud that my Chief of Staff and all three of my Deputies are women. Together, we set the tone that inappropriate, discriminatory behavior can never be tolerated; allegations are immediately investigated and action taken with the full force of the law. We must work hard every day to foster a culture of equity, diversity, and respect.”

 Listen to the recording, part of Baltimore Sun’s Female Trouble podcast, here.

 


WJZ-TV – Dr. Wen Speaks About Opioid Crisis on “On Time” 

WJZ


Last Sunday, Dr. Wen was interviewed for an edition of WJZ-TV’s “On Time” public affairs program. She discussed the City’s efforts to battle the opioid crisis and the new "Levels of Care" initiative, focused on recognizing and implementing best practices for the City’s hospitals responding to the opioid epidemic.

"Addiction is a chronic brain disease,” said Dr. Wen. “For far too long, we've seen it as a choice or moral failing. It has to be treated like any other disease. We know that treatment works and recovery is possible."

To watch the full interview, click here.


Dr. Wen Gives Keynote Address at 11th Annual National Health Disparities Conference in Philadelphia 

NHDC

 

 

Last Friday, Dr. Wen provided the keynote address at the 11th Annual National Health Disparities Conference in Philadelphia. She joined a speaker list that included: Rep. James Clyburn (Assistant Democratic Leader, SC-06); Rep. Cedric Richmond (Chairman, Congressional Black Caucus, LA-02); Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02); Rep. Dwight Evans (PA-02); Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE At-large District); and former Delegate, Dr. Donna Christian-Christensen (U.S. Virgin Islands). Dr. Wen discussed the Health Department’s B’More for Healthy Babies initiative, opioid overdose prevention and treatment work, and efforts to end disparities in health outcomes.

“I was honored to serve as the keynote speaker for the 11th Annual National Conference on Health Disparities,” said Dr. Wen. “I was grateful to discuss the social determinants of health in Baltimore City with attendees who are driving change on this issue at the local, state, regional, and national levels. I commend the Medical University of South Carolina for organizing such an important conference, with speakers and panelists addressing some of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.” 

Click here to read Healthy Baltimore 2020, which details the Health Department’s plan to cut health disparities in half over the next 10 years.


Dr. Wen Speaks With National Clinician Scholars Program at the University of Pennsylvania 

U Penn


Last Friday, Dr. Wen spoke with the National Clinician Scholars Program (NCSP) at the University of Pennsylvania as part of their Visiting Policy Speaker Series. The NCSP grew out of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)/VA Clinical Scholars Program, an independent consortium of community, health system, policy, and academic partners that have joined together to offer the NCSP. The RWJF provided financial support for the NCSP for around 40 years.

The NCSP offers training and community-building for clinicians to become “change agents” who will drive policy-relevant research and partnerships to improve health and healthcare. The program aims to develop leaders who will work to advance health equity, eliminate health disparities, invent new models of care, and achieve higher quality healthcare at lower costs. Dr. Wen met with an interdisciplinary group of scholars that included doctors, nurses, and master’s students.


Health Department Hosts Annual Senior Nutrition and Wellness Expo at Waxter Center for Senior Citizens 

Wellness Expo

 

Last Wednesday, in recognition of Older Americans Month, the Health Department’s Community Services team hosted its annual Senior Nutrition and Wellness Expo at the Waxter Center for Senior Citizens. This year’s theme was “Hit a Home Run with Eating Right.” The event featured giveaways from two Baltimore Orioles’ Hall of Famers, fitness trackers, healthy food baskets, vendors, and health screenings provided by the University of Maryland and the Baltimore City Fire Department. The event focused on providing healthy strategies for older adults in Baltimore City, and showcased exercises that included chair yoga, line dancing, hula hoop exercises, and aerobics. Additionally, the Health Department’s Division of Aging and CARE Service’s registered dietitian, Rona Martiyan, presented “What’s in your Fridge?” The Expo also included food demonstrations from Meals on Wheels and Culinary Services Group Inc.

To learn more about the Health Department’s health promotion programs for older adults, click here.


Public Health Heroes: Health Department’s Hearing and Vision Team 

Vision Team


The Health Department’s Hearing and Vision Team has provided 20,000 state-mandated hearing and vision screening services to students at first entry into Baltimore City schools and during the 3rd and 8th grades. Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, in addition to screening students in the mandated grades, the Hearing and Vision Team also began providing vision screenings through the Vision for Baltimore Program.

Click here to read more about the Hearing and Vision Team.


School Health Medical Director Speaks at Re-Imagining Black Girls' and Women's Health Symposium and Workshop 


Last week, School Health Medical Director Dr. Ihouma Emenuga spoke at the 2018 Re-Imagining Black Girls' and Women's Health Symposium and Workshop, hosted by Towson University’s Department of Women’s and Gender Studies. Dr. Emenuga highlighted the Health Department’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of Baltimore City residents while advocating for equity and justice. She also spoke about the work of the Health Department’s School-Based Health Centers in supporting young black women through health care provision and as a venue for initiatives such as U-choose, the home visiting programs the Health Department facilitates in partnership with Healthy Families America, and the Nurse Family Partnership Program.

To learn more about the Health Department’s School-Based Health Centers, click here.


Director of Opioid Overdose Prevention Participates in Community Town Hall Meeting on Opioid Abuse 

Jose

 

Last Wednesday, Director of Opioid Overdose Prevention José A. Rodriguez attended the Town Hall Meeting on Opioid Abuse in the Community at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church. The gathering, aired live on the Dr. Kaye Show (Morgan State Radio – WEAA 88.9 FM), was held in observance of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s annual National Prevention Week. The commemoration brings awareness to substance abuse and mental health, and calls for action to address these issues.

Panelists included: Clay Stamp (Executive Director, Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center); Karsonya (Kaye) Wise Whitehead, Ph.D. (Associate Professor of Communication and African and African-American Studies, Department of Communication, Loyola University Maryland); and Rev. Kimberly Lagree (Trauma Program Coordinator, Office of Youth Violence Prevention, Baltimore City Health Department).

To learn more about the work of the Office of Youth Violence Prevention, click here.


Deputy Commissioner of Aging and CARE Services Welcomes Guests at Baltimore County’s Annual Retired and Senior Volunteer Luncheon

Heang


Last Thursday, the Health Department’s Deputy Commissioner of Aging and CARE Services Heang Tan provided opening remarks at Baltimore County’s Annual Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Luncheon on behalf of Dr. Wen.  

The annual event, hosted by Baltimore County’s Department of Aging at Martin’s West, is a collaborative effort with the Baltimore City Health Department’s Division on Aging and CARE Services, and provides an opportunity for local and state officials to thank the thousands of volunteers serving in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs. The theme of the event was “Volunteers Brighten Lives,” and both Baltimore County and Baltimore City volunteers were recognized for their service and dedication.

Click here to learn more about the Health Department’s RSVP program.


Updated White Paper Now Available Online 


The Health Department recently released its updated White Paper: State of Health in Baltimore, which describes the Health Department’s principles, policies, and services. This year’s White Paper reflects upon the Health Department’s goals and recent accomplishments in improving health outcomes in Baltimore City.

To read the full paper, click here.


Coming Up: National Senior Fitness Day

Older Americans Month


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 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 

    Naloxone


    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, 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.  


    Coming Up: Baltimore in Conversation

    Resilience

    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.


    Health Department Closed Memorial Day

    Memorial Day

    In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, the Baltimore City Health Department will be closed on Monday, May 28. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 29.


    Coming Up: Healthy Baltimore: A Festival of Wellness

    Healthy Baltimore

    Coming Up: Train-the-Trainer Trauma-Informed Training

    Trauma

    Education Through Entertainment

    BCHD in the News: