WHAT'S NEW?

Hurricane Earl preparedness Resources Available

September 2, 2010. Hurricane Earl is making its way toward the East Coast. Now is a good opportunity to review your family emergency plans: [Mayor Rawlings-Blake's Press Release ] [DHMH Hurricane Fact Sheets] [How long should I keep refrigerated food if I lose power?]

 

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]

 

Information Update on CARE Services

August 27, 2010. A new area plan update draft and flyer advertising Monday's public hearing are now available for download. [CARE Hearing Flyer 8/27] [CARE Services Area Plan Update Draft 8/27]

 

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]

 

New Prevention Wednesday on Breastfeeding!

August 18, 2010. Find out more about this simple way to keep your baby healthy and strong. [Prevention Wednesdays] [Breastfeeding Flyer

 

CARE Services Senior Public Hearing

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

August 13, 2010. The Office of Epidemiology and Planning and The Office of Youth Violence Prevention have released a report examining violence among Baltimore City's youth from 2002 through 2007. [2009 Examination of Youth Violence in Baltimore City--Final Report] [Data & Research Page]

 

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]