Dear Neighbors,  

This past Wednesday, the Committee on Health unanimously passed its Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Report and Recommendations. Saying this has been a tight budget season would be an understatement. Nonetheless, I am pleased with what we have been able to accomplish in light of such drastic cuts in the Mayor’s proposed budget. Over the last two months, the Committee on Health team worked with advocates, community organizers, and local organizations and collaborated with other Council committees to secure funding for critical initiatives that serve the residents of the District. The rest of this newsletter contains an overview of the Committee on Health’s FY 2027 Budget Report and Recommendations, among other updates.

Budget season is far from over and there are a couple important dates to keep in mind:

• Tuesday, June 9 – The Council will take its first vote on the Local Budget Act (LBA) and the Budget Support Act (BSA)

• Tuesday, June 23 – Second vote on the Local Budget Act (LBA)

As a former Council staffer, I encourage you to peruse the Committee reports that accompany each Committee’s budget recommendations. They help provide context to the Committee’s thinking and also good oversight information regarding agency operations. It is not light reading for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, but given the weather forecast, you may have some time indoors. More to come as we work towards June 23.

In Service,

Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large  
ChristinaHendersonDC.com

^{Councilmember Christina Henderson is seen chairing the Committee on Health as it approves its recommendations for the FY27 LBA. She is shown with members of the Committee on Health: Councilmembers Zachary Parker, Brianna K. Nadeau, Wendell Felder, and Charles Allen.}

On Wednesday, May 20, the Committee on Health held a markup on the confirmation of Brianna Jones to the Board of Nursing and approved its recommendations for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Local Budget Act. The Mayor’s proposed budget included significant cuts across the Health cluster for critical health programs, including for behavioral health services, maternal and child health, healthy food access, and more. The Committee Budget Report was developed after two months of hearings, testimony, meetings and other forms of public engagement. The Committee worked diligently to identify funds to restore some of the most harmful cuts and make strategic investments to increase access to healthcare for our most vulnerable residents and improve health outcomes. Below is a summary of the investments.  

Enhance Support for Behavioral Health and Substance Use Treatment

• Fully fund Bill 26-0226, the “Place-Based Substance Use Disorder Outreach Amendment Act of 2025, which permanently establishes a place-based substance use outreach program, by providing $115,000 in recurring funds for 1 FTE from the Committee on Public Works and Operations.

• Invest in 5 additional Special Police Officers for Saint Elizabeths Hospital with $500,000 in recurring funds to improve patient and staff safety at the hospital.

• Extend critical funding for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s forensic toxicology testing and data analysis by providing $400,000 from the Opioid Abatement Settlement Fund.

• Expand evidence-based adolescent substance use disorder treatment services and community-based treatment options for children, adolescents, and young adults across the District with $396,000 from the Opioid Abatement Settlement Fund.

• Allocate $6,100,000 to increase funding for CBO grants within the SBBH program and recommend the BSA subtitle, the “School-Based Behavioral Health Program Stabilization and Oversight Act of 2026.”

• Invest $2,400,000 to improve behavioral crisis response, including restoring community-based crisis stabilization beds ($600,000), restoring the Child and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Service (ChAMPS) program ($1,300,000), and investing in the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Access Helpline ($500,000), all funded through revenue generated by the BSA subtitle “988 Lifeline Support and Sustainability Establishment Amendment Act of 2026”.

Improve Health for Birthing Parents and Families

• Fully fund Bill 26-0356, the "Prenatal and Postpartum Remote Patient Monitoring Clarification Amendment Act of 2026”, to cover remote patient monitoring during pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum, by providing $1,330,000 in FY 2027 and $4,080,000 over the financial plan.

• Restore $1,350,000 in one-time funding for the HealthySteps Program, which embeds mental health specialists within pediatric primary care clinics to provide support during well-child visits for 3,500 children each year from birth to age three.

• Restore $250,000 for Domestic Violence Services grants through transfer to the Committee on Human Services.  

Increase Healthy Food Access

• Extend and expand the Grocery Access Pilot Program to enable over 1,000 low-income residents to purchase groceries online without delivery fees with $200,000 in one-time funds from the Committee on Public Works and Operations.

• Restore lost federal funding for Dreaming Out Loud to provide grocery delivery to low-income seniors out of its Marion Barry Avenue Market and Café in Ward 8 with $200,000 in one-time funds from the Committee on Public Works and Operations.

• Increase Farmers Market Support Grants to $250,000 to support the operations of farmers markets in low food access areas through a transfer with $107,000 in recurring funds from the Committee on Public Works and Operations.

• Provide $400,000 in recurring funds to reduce the waitlist for the Produce Plus Program, which provides $40/month in free food for low-income residents at farmers markets, including a transfer of $300,000 from the Committee on Public Works and Operations.

• Restore proposed cuts of $50,000 for Joyful Food Markets and $98,500 for Home-Delivered Meals through a transfer from the Committee on Public Works and Operations.

• Support the renovation of Food and Friends’ Ward 5 Headquarters to expand access to medically tailored meals with $500,000 annually in FYs 2027-2029 through transfers from the Committee on Youth Affairs and the Committee on Public Works and Operations.  

• Restore the Office of Food Policy and the Food Policy Council and move them from the Office of Planning to DC Health with $413,000 in recurring funds from the Committee of the Whole and the Committee on Public Works and Operations.

• Fund anticipated costs to implement Bill 26-0444, the “Food Policy Council Procurement Amendment Act of 2025”, with $124,700 in recurring funds for 1 FTE from the Committee on Youth Affairs.

Enhance Patient Care and Outcomes

• Approve $3,970,000 in one-time funds to support dental and vision benefits for Alliance adults and $5,733,000 in one-time funds to support vision and dental benefits for Healthy DC Plan enrollees for FY 2027.

• Restore $907,323 for medical services for all Alliance adult beneficiaries currently enrolled in the program at FY 2025 levels, as reflected in the BSA subtitle “DC Health Care Alliance Reform Amendment Act of 2026”, which also maintains eligibility for Alliance beneficiaries at FY 2026 levels (138% FPL).  

• Provide $1,200,000 in FY 2027 and $2,550,000 over the financial plan to maintain  affordable health insurance coverage through the DC Health Benefit Exchange for some lawfully present residents under 100% of the federal poverty level who are losing coverage due to federal policy changes including $450,000 in recurring funds from the Committee on Public Works and Operations.

• Establish a grant program for Federally Qualified Health Centers that provide care to uninsured patients with $800,000 in one-time funds from the Committee on Public Works and Operations.

• Restore $68,000 for tobacco cessation activities by increasing permit fees on tobacco retailers and wholesalers pursuant to the BSA subtitle “Tobacco Permit Amendment Act of 2026”.  

Support Career Pathways for Youth

• Fund the BSA subtitle “Certified Nurse Aide Workforce Support Amendment Act of 2026” providing $150,000 to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education to partner with a local university to train at least 25 District high school students to become certified nurse aides (CNAs) through a transfer to the Committee of the Whole.

• Provide $125,000 in FY 2026 and $265,000 in FY 2027 for the Department of Employment Services Career Early Scholars Program for middle-school aged students through a transfer to the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor.

Protect Patients from High Healthcare Costs

• Fund Bill 26-0438, the “Medical Debt Mitigation Amendment Act of 2026” to prevent and lessen the harmful impacts of medical debt with $307,000 in FY 2027 and $882,000 over the financial plan.

• Fund the BSA subtitle “Improving Prescription Drug Access Amendment Act of 2026” which authorizes the District to operate a prescription drug discount program so all District residents have access to lower prescription drug costs with $103,871 in recurring funds for 1 FTE at DC Health.

• Provide $526,000 to partially fund Bill 26-0463, the Judith Heumann Memorial Workers with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2026, which establishes a Medicaid Buy-In program for District workers with Disabilities. This funding includes $117,000 for salary and fringe costs and $409,000 for the DC Access System (DCAS) modifications and premium payment collection system over the financial plan.

• Restore $168,000 in one-time funds for the Chronic Illness Initiative grants at DC Health to provide sickle cell treatment, cervical cancer screenings, and mammograms to uninsured residents.    

Strengthen Rodent Abatement Strategies

• Transfer $100,000 to the Committee on Public Works and Operations for the Department of Public Works to invest in rodent-proof trash receptacles in public spaces with high rodent populations;

• Transfer $100,000 to the Committee on Facilities for the Department of General Services to invest in rodent-proof trash receptacles on Department of Parks and Recreation properties with high rodent populations;

• Restore one Supervisory Sanitarian position within the Environmental Health Administration to oversee and ensure high quality health and safety inspections of food establishments; and

• Restore a Public Health Analyst in the Indoor Environment program within Environmental Health Administration to ensure timely response to residents’ calls regarding pest, mold, and other indoor health hazards.  

Invest in Critical Public Health Positions

• Restore a Bureau Chief within the HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration with $187,342 in recurring funds.

• Restore the Deputy Director of the Interagency Council on Homelessness with $183,836 in recurring funds transferred from the Committee on Human Services.

• Provide a Board Licensing Operations Manager at the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection to oversee Professional Licensing Boards, including Board of Funeral Directors with a transfer of $170,000 in recurring funds to the Committee on Public Works and Operations.

Invest in Full Council Priorities

• The Committee is providing $388,500 in FY 2027 and $935,400 over the financial plan to contribute to its priorities within the Committee of the Whole. These include restoring eligibility for DC Health Care Alliance members, Medicaid Direct Medical Education funding for teaching hospitals to train medical residents, and the Pay Equity Fund for early childhood educators.

The DC Pathways Showcase

On Monday, May 11, Legislative Assistant Nneka Onyekwuluje attended the DC Pathways Showcase at Phelps ACE High School. The showcase highlighted career and technical education (CTE) pathways for high school students in the District and was followed by a tour of classrooms and further discussion about the curriculum. The District offers over 50 Career and Technical Education programs within 24 pathways across 17 high schools, each providing hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and work-based learning experiences that equip students with essential skills for the evolving job market. You can learn more about CTE pathways and where programming is offered, here.  

Youth Civic Leadership Summit

On Wednesday, May 13, Legislative Assistant Nneka Onyekwuluje attended the Youth Civic Leadership Summit, co-hosted by the State Board of Education, Mikva Challenge DC, the Office of the Student Advocate and EdTrust. The event provided a forum for students to share their thoughts on issues such as school safety, school staff-student relations, police-community relationships, literacy, youth employment, mental health, and safe spaces.  

DC Chapter of the American College of Physicians

On the same day, Councilmember Henderson met with the DC Chapter of the American College of Physicians. The group shared their perspectives on the FY2027 proposed budget and highlighted initiatives that concerned their chapter, such as the transition to the Healthy DC Plan, gap funding for Alliance, and streamlining for credentialing, many of which the Committee on Health is addressing in its budget proposal. Communications Director Sierra Wallace is shown at left with members of the DC Chapter of the American College of Physicians.

RCV with ANC 4D

On Wednesday, May 20, Councilmember Henderson joined Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4D for their regular monthly meeting at Truesdell Elementary School and a demonstration of the new Ranked Choice Voting System (RCV) which is being implemented for the June primaries. You can find additional information on RCV, here.

The DC Hospital Association

On Thursday, May 21, Councilmember Henderson met with members of the DC Hospital Association to discuss concerns around funding for graduate medical education. DC is home to several teaching hospitals and funding cuts would impact patient care and service delivery.  

1. After 20 years, the Prince of Petworth still reigns in Washington, Liam Scott for the Washington Post, 05/10/2026

Reel Invasion

Anacostia River’s Reel Invasion is a free-to-enter public outreach and fishing derby event to educate and encourage the harvest of invasive fish species introduced into Maryland and D.C. waters that cause ecological harm. Public outreach activities include seeing and learning about aquatic nuisance species, making fish prints of invasives and other fish, learning how to get started in fishing, learning how to fillet blue catfish and northern snakeheads, and touring the Aquatic Resource Education Center at Anacostia Park near the north end of the skating pavilion (1900 Anacostia Dr). Reel Invasion takes place on Sunday, June 7, at 8:00am.

You can register for the event, here.  

Mycology For Beginners

Join ReDelicious DC for a beginner-friendly workshop on growing edible mushrooms like oyster or lion’s mane at home. The workshop will include basic guidance on growing edible mushrooms, a live demonstration, and an explanation about the easiest ways to get a solid first harvest with minimal equipment. This event takes place on Wednesday, June 10, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Edgewood Community Farm (2304 2nd St NE).

You can register for the event, here. For questions about this event, please email redeliciouscoop@gmail.com.

Rip! Tear! Presents: Sonic Collage

Join the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities for a lecture and live DJ demonstration with renowned DJ, professor, producer, and curator King Britt on the history of DJ’ing as a form of sonic collage. Known for his groundbreaking course at UC San Diego, Blacktronika, Britt is one of the leading authorities on Afrofuturism in music and honors innovators of color who have shaped electronic music’s landscape, spanning genres like Chicago House, Detroit Techno, and Drum & Bass. From mixing to sampling to breaking to blending, this lecture will explore how turntablism is a collage practice with a rich history. Stick around after to enjoy the gallery and view the exhibition with a live DJ. The event takes place on Saturday, July 18 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm at Eye Street Gallery (200 I Street St SE).

You can register, here.

The DC College Savings Plan Art Contest

Big dreams start with big imaginations. Submit your child’s drawing of what they want to be when they grow up for a chance to win a $529 contribution to a DC College Savings Plan account—a great start that you can continue to build over time. Submission deadline is Wednesday, May 27. Winners will be selected Thursday May 28 and announced on Friday, May 29 in recognition of 529 Day.

Contest details

• Eligibility: Open to DC residents between the ages of 3-7. An existing DC College Savings Plan account is not required to enter. Winners will need to open an account to receive the contribution.

• A winner from every Ward: One winner will be selected from each of the District’s Wards for a total of eight winners.

• Prize: Winners will receive a $529 contribution to a DC College Savings Plan account.

• Entries: One entry is allowed per child.

3 Easy Steps to Enter

Artwork must be submitted must be 8.5 x 11 inches and submitted online. Their first name and age must also be included on the submission.  

You can submit your child’s drawing, here.  

Resources for Ward 8 Business Owners

The Department of Small and Local Business Development’s (DSLBD) Ward 8 Community Investment Fund (CIF) and Back Office Support Services (BOSS) offer trainings and consultations for Ward 8 business owners to help strengthen their financial skills, systems, and reporting practices, and improve their funding- and contract-readiness.

Free consultations and trainings with experts are offered until June 2026, in-person and virtually, to help Ward 8 CIF BOSS clients with:

• Financial Foundations (budgeting, bookkeeping)

• Financial Processes & Routines (expense tracking and reconciliation)

• Financial Systems (money management apps and tools)

• Financial Analysis and Storytelling (projections, routine health checks)

• Business Taxes & Reporting

• Working with Contractors (invoicing, 1099s)

• Business Funding Strategy

You can sign up, here.

Apply to the Restaurant and Retail Stabilization Grant

Washington, D.C. restaurant and retail business owners, this is your opportunity to secure funding to help stabilize operations and move your business forward. The 2026 Restaurant & Retail Stabilization Grant (RRSG) grant provides individual grants of up to $50,000 for eligible for-profit businesses located in Washington, D.C.

Find eligibility criteria in the application form, the grant fact sheet (PDF), or learn more by attending one of our informational opportunities below.  

The RRSG application will close at 11:59pm on June 5, with applicants being notified by August 31. Awardees will receive funding by the third quarter of 2026.

You can apply find more information on the grant and application process, here.

Free Community Repair Event

Fix-It DC hosts free community repair events for all District residents. Participants bring their broken household items to an event where they are paired up with a coach who provides them guidance in fixing their items. Fix-It DC provides a wide variety of repair tools but not replacement parts. The next Fix-It-DC takes place on Wednesday,  June 10 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Mount Pleasant Library (3160 16th St NW).

You can register to attend, here, and sign up to volunteer, here.  

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.  

• Tuesdays, 11:00am – 12:00pm
  Edgewood Rooftop Farm (301 Franklin St NE)  
• Wednesdays, 11:00am – 12:00pm and Saturdays, 10:0am to 11:00am  
  Lederer Garden (4801 Nannie H. Burroughs Ave NE)  
• Thursdays, 11:00am to 12:00pm
  Powell Communal Farm |(3149 16th St NW)  

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.  

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