Maryland medical journal (Baltimore, Md. : 1985)
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Historical Article
Baltimore City Health Department: 200 years of progress and partnership.
The Baltimore City Health Department began its long history of protecting the health of Baltimore citizens in 1793. An outbreak of yellow fever in Fells Point on the northwest branch of the Patapsco River was the impetus for the governor's appointment of the first two health officers. Since that time, the health department has worked closely with the medical community to promote education and preventive measures (e.g., sewer systems, water chlorination, food inspection) in order to stop the spread of communicable diseases. For 200 years, the Baltimore City Health Department has provided "the advocacy and leadership necessary to ensure the protection and promotion of the health of Baltimore's citizens."
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The health department's early development and the protective roles of public health roles are described. Qualifications for public health leadership are examined. The diminishing and changing nature of services resulting from continuing federal and state cutbacks are discussed. New public health policy requires major changes in national ideology and politics.