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Dear Neighbors,
Earlier this week, on Election Night, I did something a bit unusual. Instead of refreshing the Board of Elections website 50-11 times, I went to opening night for SUFFS, a Tony award-winning musical centered around the suffragist movement in the United States. It is currently showing at the historic National Theatre, which is the oldest operating theater in the District and the second oldest continuously operating theater in the country. The cast, orchestra, and crew are INCREDIBLE. There was something extra special about watching the inspiring retelling of women gaining the right to vote a few short blocks from the White House and sharing rows with 6 women US Senators. It was even more special viewing parts of the National Theatre Foundation Archives which highlighted the Theatre’s long-standing history hosting civic events and performances supporting the long fight for suffrage. As I was walking out of the National, I was reminded not only of the theater’s beautiful rich history, but that DC is still very much a town rooted in art and culture.
From small venues to large, from the infamous to the less-known community gems, DC is home to more than 40 theaters across its 8 wards that are offering programming aimed at enrichment and entertainment. The Shakespeare Theater has had raved reviews for their performance of Othello, which has extended its run. Arena Stage has a new musical about the group TLC that just hit its stage. You can catch the comedy Purlie Victorious at Studio Theatre for a few more days. And so much more.
As a former musical theater kid, I implore you: this summer, get out and take advantage of all that there is to offer within DC’s arts scene. Challenge yourself and see a play! Explore a new world, guess at a whodunit, laugh at a comedy, cry at a tragedy, and get swept away at a musical. If any of that sounds compelling to you, you can find a list of now playing and upcoming shows, here. It’s so very important that we support our theater community, but more importantly, elevate what we know about DC – that arts and culture THRIVES here!
Today also marks Juneteenth, a national holiday celebrating the day - June 19, 1865 - that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Galveston Bay, Texas learned of their freedom from Union troops more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. It is the oldest celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States and its observance is usually a time for reflection and family gatherings.
After Juneteenth comes Summer solstice and the official start of summer. Many of our museums on the National Mall and off will be staying open late and hosting programs and performances Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20. You can view a complete list here.
The rest of this newsletter includes a summary of the Committee on Health’s latest meetings, updates on constituent services, and family-friendly events throughout the District. See you at the Pride Parade Saturday, June 20!
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
On Monday, June 15, the Committee on Health held a public hearing on the Short-Term Disability Insurance Benefit Protection Clarification Amendment Act of 2026; the Cybersecurity and Accountability Act of 2025; the Captive Insurance Company Amendment Act of 2026; and the following nominations to the Board of Pharmacy and the Health Benefit Exchange Authority Executive Board:
Much of the hearing’s testimony focused on the Captive Insurance Company Amendment Act, which would modernize the District’s captive insurance laws by updating licensing, capital, and reporting requirements. A captive insurance company is an insurance company that insures or reinsures the risks of its parent or affiliate entities. Testimony of note came from Sean O’Donnell of the DC Department of Insurance, Securities & Banking stating that the legislation is intended to make the District’s captive insurance market more competitive with other leading jurisdictions while modernizing sections of the code that were last updated in 2015. The hearing highlighted the District’s effort to balance stronger consumer protections with maintaining a competitive and modern insurance regulatory framework.
On Wednesday, June 17, the Committee on Health held a markup to consider and vote on the following nominees to the Boards of Pharmacy and the Health Benefit Exchange Authority Executive Board:
Ranked Choice Voting Lands in DC
On Monday, June 8, Councilmember Henderson joined Grow Democracy DC, the League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia, Rank the District, and FairVote to celebrate the implementation of ranked choice voting (RCV). These organizations have all worked to inform the public on the RCV process.
Will on the Hill
Later that day, Councilmember Henderson (playing Marcellus in Hamlet) and other elected officials joined Shakespeare Theatre Company for their annual Will on the Hill benefit. The theater company holds Will on the Hill annually to raise funds for students of all ages to participate in their arts education programs.
NBC’s First & 4Most
On Wednesday, June 10, Councilmember Henderson joined First & 4Most anchor Jummy Olabanji for a segment on Ranked Choice Voting. CouncilmemberHenderson addressed some misconceptions about ranked choice voting and described the proper method to cast your ballot.
The 2nd Annual Good Food for All Summit
Councilmember Henderson finished the day by providing closing remarks at the second annual Good Food for All Summit cohosted by the Global Food Institute at GW and the Partnership for a Healthier America. Her closing remarks included commentary on battling food insecurity and increasing healthy food access for constituents. The summit brought together key leaders in advancing equitable access to good food that drives good health.
Ivy City Animal Shelter
On Friday, June 12, Committee on Health Director Ona Balkus stopped by Brandywine Valley SPCA’s ribbon cutting for their 6,000-square-foot Ivy City Adoption Center that features a modern, loft-inspired vibe with free-roaming cat rooms, a rooftop play yard, and 16 cat condos and 68 dog kennels. The Ivy City Adoption Center is located at 1516 Okie Street NE. Adoption hours are Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 to 7:00pm and Saturday to Sunday from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
Maternal Health Policy At GWU
On Wednesday, June 17, Councilmember Henderson joined George Washington University’s School of Public Health’s class on Reproductive Health Policy and spoke with students on issues such as the maternal mortality rate, pregnancy and birthing rights, and the role public policy plays among them.
Summer Solstice in the District
Join the Smithsonian Museum family as they mark the start of summer and celebrate America’s 250th by staying open late and hosting programs and performances throughout the weekend.
All museums on the National Mall will be open until 11:00pm on Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20. Please note that some museums require advance registration or free timed passes for entry during the day and evening events below.
The following off-Mall locations will also have special Solstice programming.
Friday, June 19: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center late night hike (registration required).
Saturday, June 20: Anacostia Community Museum open until 10:00pm and Smithsonian Environmental Research Center day activities.
Sunday, June 21: Science Solstice Sunday 10:00am to 2:00pm at the National Zoo
A Juneteenth Block Party
Soulversations Presents: Live at Union Market is a free block party dedicated to honoring Black Music Month, celebrating Juneteenth, and bringing community together through music, food, culture, and joy. This event is hosted by Soulversations + IndigoBlue Entertainment and powered SoulLife Foundation with support from our partners: DC Commission of Arts and Humanities, The Black Genius Foundation, The Black Music Collective (A Grammy Community), SiriusXM, Union Market District, RIAA, SoulBounce, Banner Public Affairs, Events DC, and more. Join in on the fun on Friday, June 19, from 12:00pm to 8:00pm at Union Market Plaza (1309 5th St NE). The event is free and open to all ages and will include a live band, local vendors, food and drink, community art and youth activations, and more.
Reserve your spot, here.
ReThread DC: Upcycling Workshop
Join Rethread DC for a creative upcycling workshop on Sunday, June 28, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Southwest Library (900 Wesley Pl SW)! Transform an old button‑up or button‑down shirt into a fresh, trendy new look while learning hands-on skills like upcycling techniques, hand and machine sewing, and pattern making. Bring a shirt from home (any material works!) or pick one from our selection of donated pieces. We’ll provide all the tools, just bring your imagination and come ready to create, experiment, and have fun! With guidance from experienced sewists, you’ll learn new skills, connect with your community, and take a stand against fast fashion, one stitch at a time. All ages are welcome. Sewing experience is helpful but not required.
Registration is required you can rsvp, here.
If you have sewing experience and would like to volunteer you can find more information, here.
Public Hearing on DC’s Water’s Proposed Rate Adjustments
DC Water would like to hear from you on the proposed two-year rate adjustments for fiscal years 2027 and 2028. A virtual public hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 23, at 6:30pm. Individuals or representatives who wish to present testimony remotely should provide their name, address, telephone number, and organization (if applicable) by calling (202) 787-2330 or emailing board.secretary@dcwater.comby 5:00pm on Friday, June 19, 2026.
You can join the hearing, here, and access a stream of the hearing, here.
You are also invited to share your feedback during the hearing or submit written comments by 5:00pm on June 29, 2026, via email at board.secretary@dcwater.com or by mail to:
DC Water Board Secretary
1358 Canal Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
Look Out for Spotted Lanternflies
If you find yourself seeing spotted lanternflies, here is what you need to know about your new winged neighbors.
Keep calm and don't panic.
Take Action
The Regional Travel Survey
The TPB’s once-in-a-decade Regional Travel Survey (RTS) helps paint a detailed picture of the daily travel patterns of people who call this region home. The survey, which has been conducted approximately every ten years since 1968, collects demographic and travel information from a randomly-selected representative sample of households in the region and adjacent areas. If you receive the Regional Travel Survey postcard in your mailbox, help plan the region’s transportation future. Take the survey and tell us how you travel around the metro Washington region.
Community Workshop: The Future of the District's Waterways
The District Waterways Advisory Commission is inviting residents to help shape the future of the District’s waterways. As part of the District Waterways Advisory Plan development process, we are hosting two upcoming Community Workshops— one virtual and one in person— to gather input from community members across D.C.
These workshops will give residents the chance to share their vision, priorities, and ideas for how our waterways can be better utilized, more accessible, and safer for all users. Your insights will help guide the development of the plan and ensure it reflects community values and needs.
Join us for either or both of the following sessions:
The Return of Free Veggie Giveaways
It's officially FREE veggie giveaway season in Washington, DC. The Department of Parks and Recreation is bringing farm-fresh produce straight to the community, from rooftop harvests to garden-grown goods, this is your weekly chance to grab fresh, locally grown food -on us.
From now until November 25 (weather permitting) you can attend weekly veggie giveaways at DPR communal farms.
Early arrival and reusable bags are encouraged.
To attend giveaways participants must be registered. You can find more information and register, 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