Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said city staffers have been working with local, state and private partners to make sure residents get life-sustaining medical care.

The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones and celebrate while looking ahead to the new year.  But for many Baltimore families, this time of year also brings deep sadness: they must move forward without missing loved ones that have been lost to street violence. 2015 has been the most violent year Baltimore has seen in decades, with over 344 homicides across the city.  This surge in homicides and violent crime has caused an incalculable ripple effect of increased trauma for Baltimore residents.  Recognizing this deep trauma, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has declared Baltimore a ‘trauma informed city’ and strives to help all city workers recognize the signs of trauma.