Melanie Wellstein

Melanie Wellstein is the the Overdose Policy Planning Manager at the Baltimore City Health Department. Prior to her role at the health department she worked as the chief of staff for U.S. Senator Mary Washington’s, during which time she worked on legislation that promoted health equity in Baltimore City. In her current role, she helps develop strategies to reduce overdose and promote harm reduction practices in the city. She oversees programs that bring together stakeholders to identify issues facing individuals who use substances in the city and devise solutions that promote stigma-free health improvement. Her passion is finding innovative strategies to combat overdose.

The Baltimore City Health Department’smission is to protect health, bridge gaps, and enhance the community. It is is the oldest health department in the U.S., with health improvements for Baltimoreans spanning over 220 years. BCHD created a new Division of Public Behavioral Health in 2025 to coordinate prevention, harm reduction and treatment as part of a citywide overdose response strategy. The division develops the needs assessment and the public health strategy in coordination with other city agencies, key nonprofit organizations, and public input. The Division has initiatives such as the Harm Reduction Vending Machines, the Overdose Fatality Review, and the one of the oldest syringe services programs in the country. BCHD leads the public health response to overdose in support of the city’s overall strategy.