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 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]

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]

Tobacco Marketing, Smoke Still a Threat to Baltimore Women

May 29 , 2010. This year's World No Tobacco Day is focused on the issue of tobacco marketing geared towards women, but also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the effects of smoking among women in Baltimore City and Maryland. [Press Release]

Baltimore City Health Department Releases 2010 Health Disparities Report Card

May 25, 2010. The Baltimore City Health Department is releasing its 2010 Health Disparities Report Card, the first comprehensive examination of health disparities in the City. [Press Release] [Report]

Baltimore City Food Policy Task Force Makes Citywide Recommendations for a Healthier Baltimore

May 11, 2010 . Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake today joined members of the Baltimore City Food Policy Task Force in announcing 10 key recommendations to increase demand for and access to healthy food options in the City. Food insecurity – defined as lack of access to enough food for an active and healthy lifestyle – afflicts nearly 14% of low-income Baltimore families. [Press Release] [Report]

Testing Reveals Items of Children’s Jewelry with Excess Lead

April 27, 2010. The Baltimore City Health Department has issued a violation notice to one business 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] [Lead Regulations in Children's Jewelry]

Health Department Seeks Nominations for the 2010 Sebastian Russo Memorial Award

April 27, 2010. The Baltimore City Health Department is soliciting nominations of healthcare providers who have made significant contributions to their fields and to the City by providing dedicated and compassionate service to low-income individuals and families. The winner will receive the Sebastian Russo Memorial Award.[Press Release] [More Information]

Public Input Sought on Proposed Regulation on Limited-Service Pregnancy Center Disclaimers in Baltimore City

April 15, 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. The Health Department is requesting public input on the regulations that will be used to enforce this new law. [Press Release] [Proposed Regulation]

Statement From Interim Commissioner Farrow On Passage Of HB 162 – Expedited Partner Therapy Pilot Program – Extension

April 15th, 2010. "I want to sincerely thank the Maryland General Assembly for passing and Gov. Martin O’Malley for signing legislation this week extending the termination date of the city Health Department’s Expedited Partner Therapy Pilot Program to June 30, 2015." [Press Release]

Residents Urged to Get Vaccinated Against H1N1, Take Advantage of Flu Awareness Sunday Free Clinics

April 9th, 2010. Anticipating the possible arrival of a third wave of H1N1 influenza cases in Maryland, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and the Baltimore City Health Department are appealing to city residents to get protected by getting vaccinated against the virus. [Press Release]

Have You Been Tested?

April 1st, 2010. April is STD Awareness Month. Be sure to get tested at one of our clinics, or check out our calendar of STD/HIV outreach clinics for the month of April. Getting yourself tested for sexually transmitted infection is the first step in taking responsibility for your sexual health and the health of your partners. [Press Release]

Health Department, EPA Announce Grant for Safe Pest Management for Health Initiative

March 30, 2010. Health Department officials announced a $250,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to create a new program designed to transform pest management practices and improve health in Baltimore City homes, schools, parks and businesses. [Press Release] [SPMH Webpage]

Baltimore City Health Department Releases Results of First Community Health Survey

March 26, 2010. The Baltimore City Health Department is releasing the results of a telephone survey of more than 1,100 City residents – unprecedented in its size and scope – conducted during the spring of 2009. The 2009 Community Health Survey provides a vivid snapshot of the health of Baltimore City residents. [Press Release] [Executive Summary] [Survey Results]

Baltimore City Achieves Record Low Tuberculosis Case Rate as Health Department Launches Cutting-Edge Screening Program

March 24, 2010. In recognition of World Tuberculosis Day 2010, Interim Health Commissioner Olivia D. Farrow is pleased to announce that for the second consecutive year, Baltimore has set a new record for the lowest number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the city’s history. [Press Release] [BCHD's Tuberculosis Control Program]

Mayor Rawlings-Blake Kicks Off Youth Violence Prevention Week

March 22, 2010. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake called on Baltimoreans to promote peace, respect and tolerance at a gathering of community, religious and city agency leaders to kick off Youth Violence Prevention Week and announce a $1 million grant for Safe Streets. [Press Release] [Schedule of Events]

Virtual Supermarket Program Provides Food Access to Underserved Communities

March 17, 2010. The Baltimore City Health Department has launched the Virtual Supermarket Project, allowing residents in and around East Baltimore and the Washington Village neighborhood to order groceries online at their local libraries and pick them up at the same locations the next day. [Press Release]

Virtual Supermarket Program Provides Food Access to Underserved Communities

March 17, 2010. The Baltimore City Health Department has launched the Virtual Supermarket Project, allowing residents in and around East Baltimore and the Washington Village neighborhood to order groceries online at their local libraries and pick them up at the same locations the next day. [Press Release]

Free Vision Screening Scheduled For World Glaucoma Day

March 12, 2010. Baltimore City will honor World Glaucoma Day on Saturday, March 13, with a free vision screening for residents as part of The Eyes Have It Program, an ongoing effort to fight glaucoma. [Press Release]

Health Department, Fire Department and Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy Announce Start of CO Detector Ordinance

February 23, 2010. Beginning on March 1, Baltimore City will require carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to be installed in residential dwellings, hotels and buildings used for living or sleeping. [Press Release] [CDC Fact Sheet on CO] [Ordinance]

Baltimore City Health Department Advises Residents to Stay Warm, Safe During Winter Weather

February 5, 2010. As residents brace for a severe winter snow storm and the possibility of freezing temperatures, the Baltimore City Health Department offers the following tips for staying safe when venturing outdoors [Press Release]