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It's In Our Hands
The 2010 Census is is in full swing. Baltimore City's Complete Count Campaign was launched on April 1, 2009, for the purpose of ensuring a complete and accurate count in the upcoming 2010 Census. Click here to get the latest Census information.
In recognition of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, the Health Department will hold a rally for healthy babies at Druid Hill Park. The event is open to the public. For the latest details on the event, visit our new B'more for Healthy Babies Website.
ALSO: Are you a creative middle or high school student? Want to win an Apple iPod Touch? Enter our iHeART Baltimore creative arts contest for September: Infant Mortality and Safe Sleep. Visit our Facebook page for all the details, or click here to see the contest flier.
Need help finding HIV/AIDS resources, health services, or information on substance abuse treatment and recovery programs? The Maryland Community Services Locator is a comprehensive listing of service providers in Maryland that offer free or low cost services to the community. Click on their logo to start your search.
Physician Community Advocate is Recipient of 2010 Dr. Sebastian Russo Award
September 1, 2010. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore City Health Commissioner Oxiris Barbot, M.D. announced that Barbara Cook, M.D., medical director of The Access Partnership (TAP) at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, is the winner of the 2010 Dr. Sebastian Russo Memorial Award. [9/1/10 Russo Award Press Release] [Russo Memorial Award Web Page]
Baltimore City Issues Code Red Heat Alert
August 30, 2010. Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger according to the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System, Commissioner of Health Oxiris Barbot, M.D., is declaring Monday, August 30th, a Code Red Heat Alert day. Baltimore City will open emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air, water, and ice available. Residents should call 311 for the latest cooling center hours before heading to the nearest one.[Code Red Heat Alert August 30th Press Release] [Code Red Web Page]
Baltimore City Hosts White House Drug Control Policy Director
August 27, 2010. Baltimore City health and law enforcement officials
today joined R. Gil Kerlikowske, director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), for a visit to
three city drug and alcohol treatment facilities, as well as the East Oliver Drug Free community
organization. Each facility provides high-quality, comprehensive services proven to reduce
substance abuse. [Press Release]
Data Watch: Maryland Department of the Environment Releases 2009 Lead Poisoning Data
August 27, 2010. The Maryland Department of the Environment is reporting today that in 2009, 347 children – or 1.8 percent of the 19,043 children tested in Baltimore City – had elevated blood lead levels (at least 10 micrograms per deciliter). This represents a 26 percent decrease from the number of children with elevated blood levels in 2008. [Lead Report Press Release]
MDA Advises Consumers: Eggs for Sale in Maryland are NOT Part of Recall
August 25, 2010. The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and local health departments, is working to ensure eggs that are part of the nationwide recall are not being sold in Maryland. Consumers should check the codes on cartons of eggs in the shell to verify they are not from plants involved in the nationwide recall of shell eggs implicated in outbreaks of Salmonella enteritidis. None of the plants in the recall are registered to pack eggs for sale in Maryland and to date, MDA inspectors have not found eggs from the affected plants in Maryland. [MDA Press Release]
Testing Reveals Items of Children’s Jewelry with Excess Lead August 20, 2010. The Baltimore City Health Department has issued a violation notice to two businesses prohibiting the sale of two children’s jewelry products that were identified with a lead level in metal components above 300 parts per million (ppm). The Consumer Product Safety Commission has been alerted to the most recent findings. [Press Release] [Report]
August 18, 2010. Ask questions and get answers on the state of services for seniors in Baltimore City on August 30th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. [Hearing Flyer]
Free Vaccination Clinic at Lexington Market!
August 18, 2010. Is your child up-to-date on his or her vaccines? A free, back-to-school vaccination clinic will be held next Saturday, August 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Remember to bring your child's vaccination records! [Vaccination Clinic Flyer]
2009 Report Released on Youth Violence in Baltimore City
Public Input Sought on Amendment to Regulation on Limited-Service Pregnancy Center Disclaimers in Baltimore City
August 11, 2010. The Baltimore City Council passed Council Bill 09-0406, Limited-Service Pregnancy Centers – Disclaimers, which requires limited-service pregnancy centers to provide accurate information about available services to clients and potential clients. [Comment Page for Bill 09-0406] [Bill 09-0406 PDF]
Baltimore City Issues Code Red Heat Alert
August 10, 2010. Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger according to the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System, Interim Health Commissioner Olivia D. Farrow is declaring Thursday, August 10th, a Code Red Heat Alert day. Baltimore City will open emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air, water, and ice available. Residents should call 311 for the latest cooling center hours before heading to the nearest one.[Code Red Heat Alert for Aug. 10 Press Release] [Code Red Web Page]
Baltimore City Issues Code Red Heat Alert
August 5, 2010. Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger according to the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System, Interim Health Commissioner Olivia D. Farrow is declaring Thursday, August 5th, a Code Red Heat Alert day. Baltimore City will open emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air, water, and ice available. Residents should call 311 for the latest cooling center hours before heading to the nearest one.[Code Red Heat Alert for 8/5 Press Release] [Code Red Web Page]
Seniors, Teens Can Learn About Safe Sex and Substance Abuse (Then Laugh About It!) at Upcoming Caregiver Information Fair
July 29, 2010. Seniors and teens are invited to join us on Saturday, August seventh, for our fourth annual caregiver information fair. The theme this year is "Be safe, be aware, and be encouraged." Participants can learn more about safe sex and substance abuse, as well as take part in laughing exercises. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the War Memorial Building at 101 North Gay Street in downtown Baltimore. [Listen to the Radio Ad] [Radio Transcript]
Baltimore City Issues Code Red Heat Alert
July 22, 2010. Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger according to the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System, Interim Health Commissioner Olivia D. Farrow is declaring Friday, July 23rd, and Saturday, July 24th, a Code Red Heat Alert day. Baltimore City will open five emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air, water, and ice available. Residents should call 311 for the latest cooling center hours before heading to the nearest one.[Code Red Heat Alert July 22nd Press Release] [Code Red Web Page]
Baltimore City Issues Code Red Heat Alert
July 17, 2010. Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger according to the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System, Interim Health Commissioner Olivia D. Farrow is declaring Saturday, July 17th, a Code Red Heat Alert day. Baltimore City will open five emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air, water, and ice available. Residents should call 311 for the latest cooling center hours before heading to the nearest one.[Code Red Heat Alert July 17th Press Release] [Code Red Web Page]
Baltimore City Issues Code Red Heat Alert
July 15, 2010. Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger according to the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System, Interim Health Commissioner Olivia D. Farrow is declaring Friday, July 16, a Code Red Heat Alert day. Baltimore City will open emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air, water, and ice available. Residents should call 311 for the latest cooling center hours before heading to the nearest one.[Code Red Heat Alert July 16th Press Release] [Code Red Web Page]
Baltimore City Extends Code Red Heat Alert
July 7, 2010. Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger according to the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System, Interim Health Commissioner Olivia D. Farrow is declaring Thursday, July 8th, a Code Red Heat Alert day. Baltimore City will open 15 emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air, water, and ice available. Residents should call 311 for the latest cooling center hours before heading to the nearest one.[Code Red Heat Alert July 8th Press Release] [Code Red Web Page]
Health Department Reminds Citizens To Care For Pets During Extreme Heat
July 7, 2010. The Baltimore area is experiencing one of the hottest summers in recorded history. It is imperative that residents, including our animal friends, stay cool and hydrated during these hot days. [Press Release ]
Mayor Rawlings-Blake Announces New Health Commissioner
July 7, 2010. Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced the appointment of Dr. Oxiris Barbot as the new Commissioner for the Baltimore City Health Department. Dr. Barbot is an award-wining public health practitioner and pediatrician who oversaw the implementation of health policy in largest school system in the United States. [Mayor's Press Release]
Baltimore City Adds New Cooling Centers, Implements Additional Heat Alert Strategies
July 6, 2010. Due to the forecasted high temperatures and heat indices for the week of July 5th, the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management and the Baltimore City Health Department are implementing additional Code Red Heat Alert responses to help Baltimore residents stay cool and healthy. [Code Red Heat Alert Update ] [Swimming Pool Hours Extended ]
Baltimore City Issues Code Red Heat Alert
July 4, 2010. Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger according to the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System, Interim Health Commissioner Olivia D. Farrow is declaring Monday, July 5, through Wednesday, July 7, Code Red Heat Alert days. Baltimore City will open emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air, water, and ice available. Residents should call 311 for the latest cooling center hours before heading to the nearest one.[Code Red Heat Alert July 4th Press Release] [Code Red Web Page]
Baltimore City Issues Code Red Heat Alert
June 27, 2010. Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger according to the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System, Interim Health Commissioner Olivia D. Farrow is declaring Monday, June 28th, a Code Red Heat Alert day. Baltimore City will open emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air, water, and ice available. Residents should call 311 for the latest cooling center hours before heading to the nearest one.[Code Red Heat Alert June 27th Press Release] [Code Red Web Page]
Baltimore City Issues Code Red Heat Alert
June 26, 2010. Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger according to the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System, Interim Health Commissioner Olivia D. Farrow is declaring Sunday, June 27, a Code Red Heat Alert day. Baltimore City will open emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air, water, and ice available. Residents should call 311 for the latest cooling center hours before heading to the nearest one.[Code Red Heat Alert June 26th Press Release] [Code Red Web Page]
Baltimore City Issues Code Red Heat Alert
June 24, 2010. Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger according to the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System, Interim Health Commissioner Olivia D. Farrow is declaring Thursday, June 24th a Code Red Heat Alert day. Baltimore City will open emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air, water, and ice available.[Code Red Heat Alert June 24th Press Release] [Code Red Web Page]
Baltimore City Issues Code Red Heat Alert
June 22, 2010. Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger according to the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System, Interim Health Commissioner Olivia D. Farrow is declaring Wednesday, June 23rd and Thursday, June 24th Code Red Heat Alert days. Baltimore City will open emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air, water, and ice available.[Code Red Heat Alert June 22nd Press Release] [Code Red Web Page]
Baltimore City Issues Code Red Heat Alert
June 19, 2010. Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger according to the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System, Interim Health Commissioner Olivia D. Farrow is declaring Sunday, June 20, a Code Red Heat Alert Day. Baltimore City will open emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air, water, and ice available.[June 20th Code Red Heat Alert Press Release] [Code Red Web Page]
Baltimore City Launches 2010 Code Red Heat Alert Plan
June 18, 2010. With summer around the corner and high temperatures forecast for the weekend, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake joined with City agency leaders in announcing the 2010 Code Red Heat Alert initiative, a multi-agency, coordinated approach to providing cooling relief to vulnerable populations in Baltimore City during a heat crisis.[Code Red Kick-Off Press Release] [Code Red Web Page]
Health Department Director Selected To Work on National Healthy Housing Action Plan
June 14, 2010. Genevieve Birkby, M.A., MPH, director of the Community Planning & Initiatives Bureau within the Healthy Homes & Communities Division, has been elected to the National Safe and Healthy Housing Coalition Steering Committee. Birkby will represent the city and work with national policy experts to improve housing conditions in Baltimore and nationwide, especially for low-income Americans. [Press Release]
Ryan White Office releases RFPs under the Ryan White Minority AIDS Initiative for FY2010
June 11, 2010. The Baltimore City Health Department's Ryan White Office is providing existing providers an opportunity to submit continuing and competitive applications for the FY2010 Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI). [Ryan White Page]
Baltimore City Public Health Students Win Inaugural Creative Arts Contest
June 10, 2010. The Baltimore City Health Department is pleased to announce that Whitney Burton, a 25-year-old Baltimore native, has won the Department’s inaugural iHeART Baltimore Creative Arts Competition with her poem, "Reflection Time." [Press Release] [iHeART Baltimore]
Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Nonprofit Leaders Launch Citywide Campaign to Reduce Baltimore’s High Infant Mortality Rate
June 2, 2010. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake joined nonprofit and healthcare leaders today to launch B’more for Healthy Babies, a major citywide public health initiative to reduce the city’s high rate of infant deaths and promote healthy families. B’more for Healthy Babies is a partnership between the Baltimore City Health Department, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and the Family League of Baltimore City Inc. CareFirst has committed $3 million to support the three-year initiative. [Press Release] [Webpage]
The Baltimore City Health Department is the oldest, continuously operating health department in the United States. It was formed in 1793, when the governor appointed the city's first health officers in response to a yellow fever outbreak in the Fells Point neighborhood along the northwest branch of the Patapsco River. Since that time, BCHD has worked to improve the health and well-being of Baltimore residents in partnership with agencies, health care providers, community organizations, the media, and our funders. [Services A to Z]
Where action today can prevent illness tomorrow
Baltimore City Health Department
1001 E. Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 396-4398