Innovative Oral Health Program Shows Results - Pediatricians Effectively Providing Fluoride Varnish to Young Children in Primary Care

The Baltimore City Health Department has released a progress report on an innovative pilot program in which pediatric clinicians apply fluoride varnish to prevent cavities in young children. The project is a partnership between the Health Department and The University of Maryland School of Dentistry and is coordinated by Baltimore HealthCare Access. [Press Release] [Baltimore City Fluoride Varnish Pilot Program Progress Report] [Fluoride Varnish Program]

Joint Effort Launched to Help Frequent Ambulance Callers

The Baltimore City Fire Department, Baltimore City Health Department, and Baltimore Healthcare Access, Inc. are launching an effort , called Operation Care, on May 12 to assist vulnerable city residents who make multiple calls for ambulance transport. [Press Release]

Health Department Hosts 5th Annual “Best Immunization Practice” Awards

The Baltimore City Health Department, Maternal and Child Health Division hosted the 5th Annual “Best Immunization Practice” awards for eight (8) pediatric healthcare practices. The Awards were presented at the Druid Health District Clinic located at 1515 W. North Avenue at 12:30pm this afternoon. [Press Release]

Health Department Joins the Greater Baltimore Asthma Alliance In Recognizing Asthma Awareness Month

May is Asthma Awareness Month, a month devoted to raising awareness of the risks associated with asthma. The Baltimore City Health Department and the Greater Baltimore Asthma Alliance (GBAA) are marking this occasion by introducing a new Asthma Resource Guide for Baltimore adults and children with asthma and the health professionals who serve them. Unlike existing asthma resources, this new guide is focused solely on identifying local resources available in and around Baltimore City. [Press Release]

Starting May 1, City Residents Can Pre-Enroll for July 1 Health Insurance
Expansion

Baltimore HealthCare Access is pleased to announce it
will begin pre enrolling Baltimore City residents into the expanded Medicaid expansion program on Thursday, May 1. [Press Release]

Child Fatality Review Team Releases Annual Report

The Baltimore City Child Fatality Review Team is releasing its 2007 annual report. The report provides recommendations and actions taken in 13 areas to understand and prevent unnecessary child death in the city. [Annual Report 2007]

Swann Park Task Force Releases Final Report

The Swann Park Task Force has sent its third and final report to Mayor Sheila Dixon. In this report, the Task Force examines the implications of Swann Park for Maryland’s environmental policy. The report makes recommendations on public access to information about contaminated sites, priorities, and funding for clean-up. [Press Release] [Letter to Mayor Dixon] [Final Report] [Swann Park Website]

Health Department Warns about STD Hoax

The Baltimore City Health Department is warning city residents to be alert for fake letters that use unauthorized city letterhead and claim to notify the resident about a sexually transmitted disease (STD). [Press Release]

Mayor Dixon Challenges City Businesses to Become “Fit-Friendly” as Health Department Qualifies for American Heart Association Honor

Mayor Sheila Dixon joined Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua Sharfstein today to award the Baltimore City Health Department the “Fit Friendly” designation from the American Heart Association. Mayor Dixon also challenged city businesses to meet the example of the Health Department by promoting fitness and good nutrition in the workplace. [Press Release]

Health Department Recognizes World TB Day

March 24th marks World TB Day, a day that highlights the global threat of tuberculosis. Although Baltimore City, like most of the United States, has low rates of TB, World TB Day is designed to make the public aware that tuberculosis remains a serious problem in much of the world. [Press Release] [Timeline of Maryland TB History] [TB Webpage]

Health Department Seeks to Honor Health Professionals Committed to Service in Baltimore City

The Baltimore City Health Department is seeking nominations of healthcare providers who have made significant contributions to their fields by providing dedicated and compassionate service to low-income individuals and families. Winners will receive the Sebastian Russo Memorial Award. [Press Release] [Award Information] [Nomination Form]

Health Department Withdraws Proposed Regulations for Fire Safety Standards for Cigarettes, as Major Companies Agree to Voluntary Action

On October 10, 2007, the Baltimore City Health Department proposed regulations prohibiting sale in Baltimore City of any cigarettes not meeting the fire safety standard in advance of the state implementation date of July 1, 2008. [Press Release] [Fire Safe Cigarettes Website]

Health Commissioner and Executive Director of Enoch Pratt Free Library Partner to Prevent Heart Disease

Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua Sharfstein and Executive Director of the Enoch Pratt Free Library Dr. Carla Hayden are partnering to unveil a new heart disease prevention storefront window at the Enoch Pratt Free Library. [Press Release] [Heart Month Events] [Prevention Wednesday: Healthy Hearts] [Miercoles de Prevencion: Corazones Sanos]

Health Department Welcomes Jacquelyn Duval-Harvey as Deputy Commissioner of Youth and Families

The Baltimore City Health Department is pleased to welcome Jacquelyn Duval-Harvey, Ph.D. as the new Deputy Commissioner for Youth and Families. [Press Release]

Childhood Injury Deaths in Baltimore City 2002-2006

The Baltimore City Health Department and the Baltimore City Child Fatality Review Team are releasing the following report: Childhood Injury Deaths in Baltimore City 2002-2006. [Press Release] [Childhood Injury Deaths in Baltimore City 2002-2006]

Baltimore City Health and Fire Departments Urge Attention to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

In response to recent reports of carbon monoxide poisoning in Baltimore, the Baltimore City Health Department and Baltimore City Fire Department released guidance. [Press Release]

Health Department Releases Report on Intoxication Deaths, January 1995 to September 2007

The Office of Epidemiology and Planning of the Baltimore City Health Department is releasing Intoxication Deaths Associated with Drugs of Abuse Or Alcohol, Baltimore, Maryland, January 1995 through September 2007. This report is based on an analysis of records provided by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of the State of Maryland. [Press Release] [Report on Intoxication Deaths Associated with Drugs of Abuse of Alcohol]

T Minus 15 Days and Counting: No Better Time for Smokers to Quit

In advance of the implementation of city and state laws on indoor smoking, the Baltimore City Health Department and the Baltimore City Medical Society are urging clinicians to help smokers quit. [Press Release] [Memo from the Health Commissioner to Area Hospitals]

The Health Department Welcomes Dr. Avril Melissa Houston as Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director for Youth and Families

The Baltimore City Health Department is pleased to welcome Dr. Avril Melissa Houston as the new Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director for Youth and Families. [Press Release]

Baltimore City Receives $18.4 million in Federal Funding to Support Local Homeless Programs

On Friday, December 21, 2007, Baltimore City received notice of $18,444,023 in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support housing and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Baltimore City also received Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) funds in the amount of $1,030,440. [Press Release]

Baltimore City Health Department Announces Citywide Flu Alert
As part of its plan for seasonal flu announced November 8, the Baltimore City Health Department has raised the City’s level from “Minimal Flu” to “Flu Alert.” This level means there is strong evidence that influenza is now spreading in Baltimore. [Press Release] [Flu Webpage]

Public Input Sought on Strategies to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease
With cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death and a leading contributor to unacceptable healthcare disparities, Baltimore City and Baltimore County are requesting comments on five draft strategies to prevent suffering and save lives through public health efforts. [Press Release] [Health Disparities Webpage]

The Health Department Welcomes Dr. Charlene A. Brown as Assistant Commissioner for Clinical Services
The Baltimore City Health Department is pleased to welcome Dr. Charlene A. Brown as the new Assistant Commissioner for Clinical Services. [Press Release]

City Residents Can Now Call 311 for Referrals for Health Insurance
Today, as Americans prepare to count their blessings, Baltimore Healthcare Access, Inc. is announcing a new initiative to protect the health and well-being of city residents. Through this initiative, city residents can call 311 for screening and referral to a range of health insurance programs and low-cost healthcare options. [Press Release] [Baltimore HealthCare Access]

Baltimore City Health Department Releases Public Comments on Proposed Fire Safety Standards for Cigarettes

The Baltimore City Health Department is releasing public comments submitted in response to a proposed regulation that would establish a fire safety standard for cigarettes. [Fire-Safe Cigarettes Page] [Press Release]

Johns Hopkins Public Health Leaders Join
Health Department for Release of Seasonal Influenza Plan

The Baltimore City Health Department released a plan for addressing seasonal influenza today with support from experts in infection control at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Dean of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. [Press Release] [Seasonal Influenza Plan] [Flu Webpage]

Final Report from Federal Health Team on Swann Park Released

The Baltimore City Health Department is releasing the final report of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry on Swann Park. The report updates the federal agency’s preliminary report by incorporating new information on soil in the park and comments from the community. Agency officials will come to Baltimore on November 1 to discuss the findings with the public. [Press Release] [Final Report] [Swann Park Webpage]

Health Department to Post Addresses with Current Lead Hazard Violations

At the start of Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, the Baltimore City Health Department – Healthy Homes Division is providing homebuyers and renters access to information on properties with current lead hazard violations through its website. [Press Release] [Summary Sheet on Lead Violation Initiative] [Lead Violations Webpage] [Lead Webpage]

Health Department Addresses Questions About MRSA

With reports of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureas infections making national and local headlines, the Baltimore City Health Department is providing basic advice on how to reduce the spread of this infectious disease. [Press Release] [MRSA Fact Sheet] [Handwashing Information, English] [Handwashing Information, Spanish] [MRSA Webpage]

New Reports Show Drug Treatment Can Reduce Health Costs

The Baltimore City Health Department and Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems, Inc. are releasing two new studies on the value of drug treatment in reducing healthcare costs in Maryland. The studies find that expanding access to treatment could pay for itself by reducing medical costs and also result in more than $4 million in cost savings per year. [UMBC Reports] [Press Release]

Baltimore City Health Department Proposes Fire Safety Standards for Cigarettes

Responding to a new study showing that cigarettes sold in Baltimore are substantially more likely to ignite fires than cigarettes sold in New York, the Baltimore City Health Department is proposing a regulation to reduce fatalities from fires. [Proposed Regulation] [Press Release]

Health Department Kicks Off Flu Immunization Season

With the supply of flu vaccine at an all-time high in the United States this year, the Baltimore City Health Department is kicking off the flu immunization season with a press conference at 11 a.m. at Lexington Market today. [Flu Clinic Schedule] [Immunization Webpage] [ Press Release]

Health Department Seeks Input on Black and Milds

The Baltimore City Health Department will be co-hosting a roundtable discussion on the use of Black and Milds by young adults in Baltimore. The event is scheduled for
Monday, October 15, 3 to 4 pm at the Westside YO! Community Center at 1510 West Lafayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21217. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Institute for Global Tobacco Control conducted the research that raised awareness of the issue and are assisting with the discussion. [Background Document] [Press Release]

New Study Shows Baltimore Cigarettes More Likely To Cause Fires Than Cigarettes Sold In New York

The Baltimore City Health Department is releasing a study conducted by investigators at the Harvard School of Public Health showing that cigarettes sold in Baltimore are more likely to ignite fires than cigarettes sold in New York and several other states that have implemented fire safety standards. [Harvard Study] [Press Release]

Mayor Dixon Gathers Local Leaders to ACT! Against AIDS in Baltimore

Mayor Sheila Dixon and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will officially join the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Heightened National Response to the HIV/AIDS Crisis Among African Americans with a press conference at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 3, 2007, at City Hall. [Press Release]

Swann Park Task Force Sends Letter to Mayor Dixon

The Swann Park Task Force sent a letter to Mayor Sheila Dixon today reviewing research conducted by a Johns Hopkins School of Public Health research team at Swann Park in the 1970s, which found high levels of arsenic in the park’s soil. [Letter to Mayor Dixon] [Press Release]

Mayor Dixon Leads Coalition of Mayors in Urging President to Support Children's Health

Mayor Sheila Dixon is leading a group of mayors from around the nation urging President Bush to sign legislation expanding children’s access to health insurance. [Mayor's Letter] [Press Release]

81 Infant Deaths Associated with Unsafe Sleep Practices in Baltimore, 2002-2006

The Baltimore City Health Department has launched an aggressive campaign to prevent infant death during sleep. The campaign is driven by new data showing that unsafe sleep practices are associated with 81 of 89 expected infant deaths during sleep from 2002-2006. [Press Release] [Safe Sleep Data Snapshot] [Safe Sleep Poster and Onesie] [Safe Sleep PSA] [The ABC's of Safe Sleep Initiative Webpage] [BCHD Infant Safe Sleep Webpage]

Baltimore Homeless Services Releases 2007 Census Report
Baltimore Homeless Services, a division of the Baltimore City Health Department, is releasing the report of the 2007 Homeless Census today. The 2007 census took place on January 26. It included both a review of data from homeless service providers and an in-person survey administered by more than 100 volunteers. [2007 Baltimore City Homeless Census] [Press Release]

Mayor Dixon Announced Men’s Health Awareness Initiative

Mayor Sheila Dixon announced the 1st Annual Men’s Blue Suit Health Awareness Weekend for September 14-16, 2007. This weekend will be the start of a year of collaborations between hospitals, health care providers and faith institutions in the region to advance men’s health. Men will be encouraged to wear “blue suits” to show their support for the effort. [Blue Suit Webpage] [Press Release]

Health Department Seeking to Become Fit Friendly Workplace

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua M Sharfstein is promoting “Fit-Friendly Workplaces,” a designation conferred by the American Heart Association for businesses that encourage physical activity and healthy eating. [Press Release]

Health Department Announces Immunization Effort

The Baltimore City Health Department announces an important immunization effort this weekend. The Health Department TIKE van (To Immunize Kids Everywhere) will be offering free immunizations to children and adolescents for the upcoming school year. The van will be located at Lexington Market, 400 W Lexington Street, on August 10 from 10 am to 1 pm and at the YMCA Stadium Place, 900 E 33rd Street, on August 11, from 10 am to 4 pm. [Press Release] [Prevention Wednesday-Immunizations]

Mayor Dixon Announces New Operation Safe Streets Site

Mayor Sheila Dixon was joined by Baltimore City Health Department Commissioner Joshua Sharfstein to announce the launch of the second of two planned sites for Operation Safe Streets, a community-based violence prevention program focused on reducing shootings and homicides in Baltimore City. [Press Release]

Health Department Finalizes Exotic Pet Regulations

After receiving public comment earlier this year, the Baltimore City Health Department has finalized regulations on pot-bellied pigs, pigeons, fowl, bees, wild and exotic animals, and reptiles. [Press Release] [Exotic Pet Regulations] [Comments on Proposed Exotic Pet Regulations] [Exotic, Farm and Other Animals Page]

Spiderman 3 Ring Found with Very High Lead Levels

The Baltimore City Health Department has issued a violation notice to a business prohibiting the sale of a flashing Spiderman 3 Ring that was identified with lead levels in metal components far above the legal limit in Baltimore City of 1200 parts per million. The Spiderman insignia contains 12.8% lead by weight. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has been notified. [Press Release]

New Baltimore School CEO Joins Health Commissioner to Announce Results of
Baltimore Public Health Challenge
Today, Health Commissioner Joshua M. Sharfstein and School CEO Andres Alonso joined together to urge Baltimore parents to read to their young children every night. Joined by a national expert in early childhood development, they announced the results of a year-long Public Health Challenge asking doctors and nurses to provide free books to low-income children. [Press Release] [Baltimore Fact Sheet]

City Agencies Release Interim Report on Buprenorphine
In advance of tonight's hearing of the City Council on the progress of the Baltimore Buprenorphine Initiative, the Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems, Inc., and Baltimore HealthCare Access, Inc. released an interim report. [Interim Progress Report] [Appendices to Interim Report] [Press Release]

Health Department and Baltimore HealthCare Access, Inc. Win National Honor
At its annual national meeting in Columbus, Ohio, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) is honoring the Baltimore City Health Department and Baltimore HealthCare Access, Inc. with a "Model Practice Award." [Press Release] [Project Health Webpage]

Swann Park Task Force Releases First Report
The Swann Park Task Force, convened by the Baltimore City Health Department in May 2007, at the request of Mayor Sheila Dixon, has released its first report. [First Interim Report to Mayor Sheila Dixon] [Supporting Documents] [Press Release]

Mayor Sheila Dixon Launches B'More Healthy Campaign

Mayor Sheila Dixon joined local physicians, Health Commissioner Joshua Sharfstein and members of health advocacy groups to launch the B'More Healthy Campaign. [B'More Healthy Webpage] [Press Release]

Maryland Department of the Enviroment Releases 2006 Lead Poisoning Data

The Maryland Department of the Environment is reporting today that in 2006, 843 children or 4.6% of 18,363 children tested were identified with lead levels above 10 micrograms per deciliter in Baltimore City. This is down from 854 children or 4.8% of 17,943 children tested in 2005. [Press Release]

Health Alert: Conterfeit Toothpaste Found in Eight Baltimore Stores
After locating counterfeit toothpaste in eight city stores, the Baltimore City Health Department is urging all city residents to check all Colgate toothpaste in their possession. [Press Release]

Federal Agency Releases Swann Park Report
The report addresses the health effects of exposure to Swann Park. [Summary of ATSDR Health Consultation] [ATSDR Health Consultation] [Press Release]

Mayor Sheila Dixon Launches HIV Prevention Campaign for Youth

Mayor Sheila Dixon joined city and state health department officials and community leaders to announce a new citywide campaign to prevent HIV infection among youth. The campaign is based around the slogan, "Spread the word, not the disease - AIDS is no joke." [Press Release] [Visit Spread the Word Not the Disease Online]

Mayor Sheila Dixon Presents First Annual Russo Award

Mayor Sheila Dixon announced that Patricia Letke-Alexander, who runs the Bayview Hospital Care-A-Van, is the winner of the 2007 Dr. Sebastian Russo Memorial Award. [Press Release]

Baltimore City Announces Code Red Heat Alert Plan
As the temperature climbs, Mayor Sheila Dixon and other Baltimore City officials are announcing the city's Code Red Heat Alert strategy. The strategy is a multi-agency effort designed to protect vulnerable Baltimore City residents on dangerously hot days. [Code Red Heat Alert Plan] [Code Red System] [Press Release]

Summer Safety Tips from the Centers for Disease Control and the Baltimore City Health Department
[Information on Baltimore's Waters]

Newly Released Studies Support Use of Buprenorphine and Methadone to Treat Heroin Addiction
The Baltimore City Health Department and Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems, Inc. are releasing two new studies supporting the expanded use of buprenorphine and methadone to treat heroin addiction. The studies show the high cost of opiate use for the health care system and the potential to reduce healthcare costs by expanding drug treatment. [Report on opioid exposure in MD hospitals] [Cost-Benefit Report] [Press Release]

Mayor Sheila Dixon Seeks Community Partners for Operation Safe Streets

Mayor Sheila Dixon and the Baltimore City Health Department’s Office of Youth Violence Prevention announced today that a second round of funding is available to communities to implement Operation Safe Streets (OSS). [RFP] [Budget Form] [Operation Safe Streets Homepage] [Press Release]

Immunization Key to Children’s Health

Health Department recognizes nine practices for their vaccination efforts during National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) April 21st thru April 28th. [Press Release]

City Announces Availability of Funds for Treatment Program

The Baltimore City Health Department and Baltimore Mental Health Systems, Inc. are announcing the availability of funding for an evidence-based treatment program for youth at risk for delinquency, out of home foster care placement, and school failure. [Press Release]

Reduce Unhealthy Trans Fats, Hon!
At Phillips Seafood Restaurant in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor at 11:30 am today, representatives of two of Baltimore’s leading restaurants are joining Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein in urging a reduction in unhealthy trans fats. [Press Release][Letter to Baltimore City Restaurant Owners]

Health Department Asks Public To Help
Prevent Animal Attacks

In the wake of an attack by two pit bull dogs, the Baltimore City Health Department’s Bureau of Animal Control is urging residents and pet owners to take the following steps to ensure that your community is safe. [Press Release]

Legionella in the Water Supply of Maryland General Hospital [Read Recommendations]

Testing Reveals Items of Children’s Jewelry
with Excess Lead Sold in Vending Machines

[Press Release] [March Jewelry Lead Testing Results]

New Report Finds Drug Treatment in Baltimore City and Maryland Associated With Lower Healthcare Costs
[Press Release ] [Read report]

Health Department Seeks to Honor Health Professionals
Committed to Service in Baltimore City
[Press Release] [Award Criteria] [Nomination Application]

Pediatricians and Baltimore City Health Department petition F.D.A

[Press Release ] [Petition] [OTC statement ]

The Baltimore City Health Department Nicotine Replacement Therapy Initiative

[Nicotine Replacement Therapy Fact Sheet] [Prevention Wednesday: Protect Your Health - Quit Smoking]

Baltimore City Receives $17 million for Homeless Services

[Press Release] [Homeless services]

Women's Heart Health Day

[Prevention Wednesday factsheet] [Prevention Wednesday site]

Citywide Outreach Effort Targets Unvaccinated Youth

[Press Release]

Testing Reveals Items of Children’s Jewelry with Excess Lead; Retail Sale Prohibited in Baltimore
[Release with Description of Products] [February Jewelry Lead Testing Results]

HIV Prevention Wednesday [Information sheet] [Prevention Wednesday]

Mayor Announces New Head of Homeless Services

1. Read the statement about over-the-counter cold and cough preparations

2. What can I do when my child has a cold?

1.  Energy Assistance Form

2.  Hypothermia Guidelines

Baltimore City Health Department Honored for Excellence in Public Health
•  Baltimore City Medicare Part D Surveillance & Response Initiative [Snapshot]

Baltimore City Health Department Reports Decline in Sexually Transmitted Diseases  [Snapshot]