Hoyer Meets with Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after meeting with Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore City Health Commissioner:

"Today, I met with Dr. Wen to discuss what Congress can be doing to improve public health in Maryland. As Dr. Wen knows well – and recently testified before Congress on – our state has been deeply affected by the opioid crisis, with approximately 19,000 active heroin users in Baltimore alone. Additionally, across the country, the Zika virus continues to infect Americans, including pregnant women, and Maryland has already seen 35 confirmed cases. We must act to address these threats, in addition to the epidemic of gun violence.

"I am deeply disappointed that House Republicans left town yesterday for a seven-week district work period without addressing a number of public health issues. We must provide the necessary resources to respond to the threat of Zika and address the opioid epidemic affecting communities in Maryland and throughout the country. In addition, we need to take action to address the scourge of gun violence plaguing our communities. I thank Dr. Wen for meeting with me to discuss the urgency of action on these priorities, and I look forward to working with her to keep Marylanders safe and secure."