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Original Photo taken by Rebecca Cooper
Dear Neighbors,
For the last few years, I’ve included seed packets in my daughters’ Easter baskets. It’s a small thing, but I think planting herbs or flowers is a sign that spring is here. They, of course, get into it – watering, finding the perfect positioning in the sun, checking daily (sometimes hourly) for any new growth. The best part is their reaction to the fruits of their labor. We’ve had some fun conversations about where food comes from because of our little project. With Easter around the corner, thoughts of seeds, growth, and food are on my mind.
Earlier this week, I had a hearing on legislation related to food procurement practices in District government. This may seem like an unsexy topic, but DC government spends over $62 million annually on food services contracts across a variety of different agencies like DC Public Schools and the Department of Aging and Community Living. This is separate and apart from the grants DC government provides to organizations like Food and Friends and Martha’s Table for their food related programs. All in all, we’re feeding tens of thousands of residents of all ages each and every day. But are we using our public dollars wisely to get the best quality and price, while also meeting our goals to advance health and sustainability?
In 2025, the Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness at the George Washington University prepared a report for DC’s Food Policy Council examining DC’s procurement policies and practices to identify barriers to implementing value-based procurement here. The report uncovered systemic issues with the procurement system and made a whopping 45 recommendations for how we could do this better. For example, the Redstone Center found that DC was paying premium prices: one, because the Office of Contracting and Procurement is not negotiating on prices, and two, we use firm, fixed unit contracts which can easily be inflated. You can read the report in full here. I personally hate when good reports just sit on a shelf and no one acts on them. The bill we had a hearing on this week, the Food Policy Council Procurement Amendment Act of 2025, would have DC government acting on some of Redstone’s recommendations. It’s not a complete fix, but it’s a step in the right direction.
The conversation on food had me thinking about quality, pricing, and access too. Some of the best quality produce in our region often isn’t found in a grocery store; it’s from the local and regional farmers who vend at our farmers markets each week. And with the cherry blossoms reaching peak bloom, that also means that farmers market season is upon us.
DC is home to over 50 different farmers markets. DC Health’s 2026 Farmer’s Market Guide will be published soon, but we can see from last year’s information where some are located: https://dcfoodpolicy.org/farmers-markets/. Some locations are already active, some will activate beginning in April. One of my favorite programs that DC government supports is Produce Plus which provides qualifying participants $40 per month to spend on fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs at participating farmers markets in DC. It is a very popular program serving thousands of residents and since I’ve been Chair of the Committee on Health, we’ve added funding each year to attempt to clear the waitlist for the program. The application for the 2026 program will open on Monday, April 6, 2026 at 9:00am. You can apply here: https://www.freshfarm.org/produceplus.
On Saturday, April 4, I’ll be at the FRESHFarm Columbia Heights market to ring the bell and start the season there. I hope in the coming weeks and months you’ll take some time to get outside and enjoy one of the many farmers markets across the city.
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
Photo by: Rebecca Cooper, Health Policy Advisor for the Committee on Health
and budding photographer.
On Monday, March 23, the Committee on Health held a public hearing on the Personal Health Data Security Amendment Act of 2025, which would establish privacy protections for the personal health data of District residents. Public witnesses for the legislation included representatives from technology companies and civil rights organizations who provided perspectives on how personal health data is collected, used, and protected. During this portion of the hearing, Councilmember Henderson engaged witnesses on the broader implications of regulating entities not covered by HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and the need to ensure that consumer protections keep pace with evolving technology.
During the government witness panel, Councilmember Henderson discussed key implementation and enforcement questions related to the proposed legislation with leadership from the Consumer Protection Unit of the Office of the Attorney General. This included discussion on what approach the District should take regarding a private right of action, how agencies currently handle data privacy cases, how geofencing restrictions would be operationalized, and how responsibilities would be divided across agencies.
The hearing also focused on the Board of Funeral Directors, for which the Committee on Health recently gained oversight responsibilities. Legislation discussed during that portion of the public hearing included the Funeral Directors Licensing Reform Amendment Act of 2025, which would amend the requirements for a funeral director’s license and create an embalmer’s license while also creating requirements for a funeral directing or embalming internship, and the Green Death Care Option Amendment Act of 2025, which would allow for alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) at funeral service establishments and also expand the composition requirements of the Board of Funeral Directors.
On Wednesday, March 25, the Committee on Health held a public hearingon the Streamlining Medicaid Credentialing Amendment Act of 2025, theLowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs Act of 2026, and the Food Policy Council Procurement Amendment Act of 2025. The first two bills were introduced by Councilmember Henderson and the final bill was introduced by Councilmember Zachary Parker. The Streamlining Medicaid Credentialing Amendment Act of 2025 would create a centralized and standardized credentialing system for Medicaid providers in the District. Public witnesses for this legislation included representatives from care associations, doulas, and health advocates who shared testimony offering strong support of streamlining, recommended delegated credentialing, and discussed administrative shortfalls.
The Lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs Act of 2026 would lower the costs of prescription medications for all District residents, regardless of insurance status, by entering into a cooperative purchasing agreement with a prescription drug discount program. Public testimony for this legislation included comments on the need for expanded marketing to ensure residents are aware of the program. Testimony revealed that residents in Connecticut saw an average of $260 per claim in savings and residents in Oregon saw an average of $216 per claim in savings under similar programs.
You can find the upcoming schedule for the Committee on Health below. You can sign up to testify, here. The complete budget hearing schedule for the Committee on Health will be available shortly.
On Wednesday, March 18, the Committee of the Judiciary and Public Safety held a public hearing on the E911 Modernization Amendment Act of 2025, introduced by Councilmember Henderson at the end of last year. The bill would enhance resources for the District’s emergency response telecommunications system, with the goal of creating a safer and more responsive public safety system. The government witness testifying at the hearing, Office of Unified Communications Director Heather McGaffin,expressed strong support for updating how the District funds its emergency communications systems. She emphasized that the E911 fee, unchanged since 2000, no longer keeps pace with the rising costs of operating and upgrading the city’s 911 and 311 infrastructure.
Congress’s Interference with DC Traffic Enforcement
On Tuesday, March 17, Councilmember Henderson voiced her concerns about Congress interfering with local DC laws by voting to repeal DC’s use of Automatic Traffic Enforcement (ATE) and prohibition against drivers taking right turns on red. The Councilmember’s original legislation that was folded into the Strengthening Traffic Enforcement, Education, and Responsibility (STEER) Act allowed points to go on a driver’s record from ATE tickets in an effort to curtail scofflaws from ignoring DC traffic laws and policy.
Ranked-Choice Voting with Xi Omega
Also on March 17, 2026, Councilmember Henderson joined the Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. and Rank the District for a workshop on Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV) . RCV is a voting method in which voters rank candidates in order of preference. Beginning with the June 2026 Primary Election in DC, ranked-choice voting will be used in eligible contests with three or more candidates. You can watch the session here.
“A Day Without Childcare” Rally
On Wednesday, March 18, Councilmember Henderson joined Under 3 DC and other childcare advocacy groups on the steps of the John A. Wilson building to bring attention to childcare issues, specifically the continuous raiding of the Pay Equity Fund (PEF). During her remarks, Councilmember Henderson spoke about the benefits of the PEF for families, childcare workers, and the District’s economy. She also highlighted HealthCare4Childcare, which originated from the PEF and has provided health insurance for the first time for hundreds of childcare workers and is responsible for better health outcomes for families throughout the District.
DCHA’s Annual Council Breakfast
Also on March 18, Councilmember Henderson attended the DC Hospital Association’s Annual Council Breakfast in the John A. Wilson building. The event offers the opportunity for Councilmembers and their staff to discuss key healthcare issues impacting the District with hospital leaders.
Celebrating 20 Years of Black in Wax
On Friday, March 20, Councilmember Henderson visited THEARC to view the 20th annual Blacks in Wax living exhibit. The exhibit brings iconic figures who have shaped DC’s culture to the stage as young performers honor the voices and changemakers of the District. The student pictured above was portraying DC educator and women’s rights activist Nannie Helen Burroughs. Presented by the SE Tennis and Learning Center, Blacks in Wax’s red carpet finale and final performance will be on Saturday, March 28, with the Museum Performance starting at 6:00pm and the Vignette Performance starting at 7:00pm.
You can register for the event, here.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Advocacy Action Day
On Tuesday, March 24, the Committee on Health’s Deputy Committee Director Marcia Huff met with representatives from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention during their Advocacy Action Day. The discussion included the 988 Lifeline Support and Sustainability Establishment Amendment Act of 2026, introduced by Councilmember Henderson last November, which would establish a dedicated funding source to support the District’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and broader behavioral health crisis response system.
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.
On Wednesday, March 25, Councilmember Henderson met with Metropolitan Washington, DC Chapter of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. for their 2026 Advocacy Day. The coalition discussed improving food access throughout the District – specifically in wards 5, 7 and 8, graduation rates for DC Public School students, and the development of more equitable legislation.
The Last Ride
After nearly a decade rolling along H Street NE, the DC Streetcar is nearing its final stop. On Sunday, March 29, the public is invited to gather for “The Last Ride,” a send-off that leans into humor, nostalgia, and just a little bit of chaos.
Hosted at Gallery O on H (1354 H Street NE) from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, the free event brings together neighbors, artists, and the streetcar-curious for an evening of live music and the opportunity for questionable open mic eulogies.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Whether you’re drawn to art, music, food, culture, or simply being outdoors, there’s a Festival moment waiting for you. Don’t miss a minute of making magical memories with family and friends! You can find a highlight of events below and the full list of events in celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, here.
The Metro Spring Pop-Up Shop
The Metro Blooms Pop-Up Shop is now open! It features a range of fresh Metro merch for spring. From t-shirts and hoodies to unique in-store finds and classic pieces fans always love, there’s plenty waiting inside. Stop by to pick up something new, discover a few surprises, and celebrate a new season of Metro pride. Whether you're shopping for a rail fan, a bus buff, or just treating yourself, there’s something here ready to bloom in your wardrobe.
You can find the pop-up at: 300 7th St SW Washington, DC 20024 (Across from L’Enfant Plaza station)
Hours:
Sidewalk Palooza
Sidewalk Palooza is your chance to advocate for pedestrian safety and accessibility. Join us in your neighborhood to highlight broken sidewalks, missing crosswalks, and other issues that impact our daily lives and accessibility for all.
How You Can Participate:
Family Fun Day at Brookland Arts Walk
Celebrate cherry blossom season with the whole family at the Brookland Arts Walk! The event will include a puppet show, local artists, vendors, and kid friendly activations. Join the fun at 716 Monroe St NE on Sunday, March 29 from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
You can find additional details, here.
Grand Opening of Visual Arts Exhibit
Experience the grand opening of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts’ Underclassman Visual Arts Exhibit! The annual visual arts exhibit features dynamic original works by Duke Ellington School of the Arts high school students in grades 9–11. The exhibit highlights emerging young artists and provides a platform for creative expression across multiple mediums, including painting, drawing, mixed media, and digital art. The opening will include a live jazz performance by Duke Ellington students. The opening reception takes place on Friday, April 10 at 5:30pm at Ellington Gallery (3500 R St, NW).
My School DC Lottery Results
My School DC released lottery results for the 2026-27 school year today, March 27. Families can access their results by logging into their My School DC family account.If a family received a school match in the lottery, they have until May 1, 2026 to enroll at their matched school. Enrolling at their matched school will not remove their child off of waitlists.
Families will need to follow schools' enrollment procedures, which include:
Families can also add additional schools to their child's application at this time by logging into their family account. Their child will automatically be added to the schools' waitlists. More here.
If you know of a family that did not receive their lottery results, cannot access their My School DC account, or needs help understanding their results and next steps, please direct them to contact the My School DC Hotline. They are available Monday – Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm at (202) 888-6336 or info.myschooldc@dc.gov.
Annual Spring Cleaning of Water Lines
Currently, DC Water is working to maintain more than 1,300 miles of water lines across the District. During this time, the disinfectant used in drinking water will temporarily switch from chloramine to chlorine through May 4. This switch helps support overall water quality throughout the year.
This annual cleaning process is known as “chlorine burning,” which simply means using a stronger disinfect to wash away bacteria and natural biofilm buildup in the system. Some customers may notice a slight change in taste or smell, but these changes are normal, temporary, and safe.
If you notice a stronger chlorine taste or smell during this time, running cold water for a short period or refrigerating cold tap water in an open container can help the taste fade. Faucet and pitcher-style filters that meet NSF certification may also reduce the taste. These changes are temporary and usually resolve once the system returns to normal operation.
Customers and facilities that normally take special precautions to remove chloramine from tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical offices, or aquatic pet owners, should continue using the same methods during the temporary chlorine period. Anyone with specific health concerns about using tap water should speak with their health care provider.
For more information, please visit dcwater.com/chlorine-switch.
Student Fest 2026
Get ready to unleash your creativity and celebrate student life at the Youth Services Division’s 2026 Student Fest - it's going to be a blast! The event takes place at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G Street Northwest) on Monday, April 13, at 9:00am. Join us for a day filled with inspiring talks, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. This is your chance to connect with like-minded youth and learn from industry experts. Don't miss out on this incredible youth summit!
Enrollment Saturday
My School DC’s Enrollment Saturday is just one month away—mark your calendar for Saturday, April 25! Enrollment Saturday gives you the chance to enroll at your matched school or re-enroll at your current school for the 2026 – 2027 school year. DC Public Schools and DC Public Charter School Board schools will be accepting enrollment materials in person.
You can find a list of participating schools, here, and a quick guide start guide, here.
Rink Guard Volunteer Program
Do you love the ice? Want to build real skills while serving your community? Join DPR's Rink Guard Volunteer Team and help keep Fort Dupont Ice Arena (3779 Ely Place, SE) safe, fun, and welcoming for all skaters. This opportunity is perfect for high school students (16+) seeking community service hours, job skills, or experience in sports and recreation. Volunteer Opportunities
Flexible volunteer shifts are available after school and weekends.
You can apply for the volunteer rink guard program, here.
FY26 SOAR Act Facilities Competition
The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Act Facilities grant application for eligible public charter local education agencies (LEAs) will open on Wednesday, April 1. The SOAR Facilities grant program provides high-quality public charter schools in the District with funds to renovate their facilities.
The notice of funding availability (NOFA) published on Friday, March 13 includes information on eligibility, requirements, and grant application timelines. The request for applications (RFA) will be released on Wednesday, April 1.
LEAs must submit applications in the Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS) no later than 3 p.m. on Friday, May 15. For questions, contact Safa Babikir at Safa.Babikir@dc.gov.
DC Child Care Subsidy Program Waitlist
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) recently announced plans to implement the DC Child Care Subsidy Program waitlist policy which would pause new enrollments in the program beginning on May 12, 2026. Families receiving subsidies will continue to receive them and siblings may still be added to existing cases, but new families applying after May 12 will face a different process, with only children in Priority Group 1, including children under protective services and children experiencing homelessness, being able to enroll immediately. Other eligible families will be placed on a wait list.
You can enroll your children for the DC Chil Care Subsidy Program, here.
Have a constituent service need related to the Health Committee or any of the other agencies in DC Government? Want Councilmember Henderson to come to your community event or meeting? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Constituent Services Director Ana Berrios-Vazquez during regular business hours (9:00am - 5:30pm) at 202-724-8105, or ABerriosVazquez@dccouncil.gov.
You can visit us online at christinahendersondc.com. Or stay connected by following Councilmember Christina Henderson on her socials.
Website: christinahendersondc.com
Twitter (X): @CMCHenderson
Instagram: @christinahendersondc
Facebook: @christinahendersondc
Bluesky: @cmchenderson.bsky.social