Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga, the former Baltimore City Health Commissioner, was fired after Mayor Brandon Scott learned she was under a criminal investigation, according to The Baltimore Banner.
Emenuga, who was appointed by Mayor Scott in November and took office in March, became the focus of a probe by the Baltimore Office of the Inspector General. This investigation led to a criminal referral to the Office of the State Prosecutor, based on information from multiple sources familiar with the matter.
The state prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation, partly focusing on Emenuga’s work at Chase Brexton, a nonprofit healthcare provider, while she was also serving as the city health commissioner, according to The Baltimore Banner.
The mayor’s office has not provided specific details on the reasons behind Emenuga’s dismissal.
Baltimore City will now conduct a nationwide search for its next health commissioner. In the interim, Simone Johnson, the Deputy City Administrator, will take over. Johnson has over two decades of experience in local and state government, having served as Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer at the Baltimore City Health Department and Chief of Staff at the State Department of Housing and the Maryland Transit Administration.
Praise for Emenuga
Mayor Scott swore in Dr. Emenuga in March, commending her efforts to make healthcare more equitable. “She is the right person to lead our health department into the future,” Scott said at the ceremony. However, her tenure was cut short.
The public was informed of Dr. Emenuga’s departure through a brief press release issued after business hours on Monday, stating, “Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga will no longer serve as the Baltimore City Health Commissioner and is no longer employed by the city of Baltimore, effective immediately.” No further details were provided.
Dr. Emenuga had expressed optimism and a commitment to serving future generations at her swearing-in. WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren reached out to Emenuga for comment on Tuesday, but she did not respond. Her biography was still active on the health department’s website as of Tuesday afternoon.
Overdose Death Rate Concerns
Baltimore City has been grappling with alarming overdose death rates. A joint investigation by The New York Times and The Baltimore Banner described Baltimore as the “U.S. overdose capital,” with deaths occurring at unprecedented rates for a major American city.
Dr. Letitia Dzirasa, who served as the health commissioner during the COVID-19 pandemic, left her position earlier this year to become a deputy mayor. She subsequently left city government entirely after a few months. Emenuga, before becoming commissioner, had managed several healthcare providers, including Chase Brexton, and had led youth wellness efforts at the city’s health department.
“My goal is to make healthcare accessible, not only for those who can advocate for themselves but also for our most vulnerable populations—for everyone,” Emenuga said in March.
Searching for a New Commissioner
Mike Hellgren spoke with Michelle Spencer, a Johns Hopkins affiliate who served nearly a decade as a chief of staff for several health commissioners. Spencer emphasized the need for stability and improved health outcomes in Baltimore.
“Baltimore City needs balance and stability in ensuring improved health outcomes in challenging areas,” Spencer said. “It’s crucial to have someone dynamic who can rise to the occasion and be a beacon for Baltimore’s health.”
Spencer also highlighted the importance of transparency in the selection process. “You need someone innovative, inspiring, and committed to the job. The process should include diverse candidates and committee members, ensuring transparency so the public can stay informed and involved,” she said.
