Baltimore’s New Health Commissioner Wrestles With OD Crisis—and Trump
Michelle Taylor faces budget constraints and potential federal threats.
Dr. Michelle Taylor, the new health commissioner of Baltimore, has had her hands full since taking the role. She was appointed by Mayor Brandon Scott and confirmed by the City Council on September 15.
Taylor, who hails from Tennessee, is no stranger to overcoming obstacles in the name of harm reduction. However, she now faces challenges such as budget constraints and potential federal threats, particularly with President Donald Trump targeting harm reduction initiatives nationwide and slashing public health funding.
Locally, a string of mass overdose events in Baltimore’s Penn North neighborhood has struck fear into the community, and police have cracked down harder on people who use drugs.
She sits down with Filter to talk through the challenges.
Author's summary: Dr. Michelle Taylor tackles harm reduction challenges.