.svg)
The Henderson Brief: Making Government Work Better
Dear Neighbors,
The crisp Fall weather has arrived just as the Council is getting back into the swing of the Fall legislative agenda. The next few months are going to be incredibly busy as we work to close out matters before the end of Council Period 26.
Yesterday, the Committee on Health got things going with a hearing on three bills regarding vaccines and student health forms, and a separate oversight roundtable on some of the challenges with the licensing process for Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs). An overarching theme from the day was that our government has to get better at thinking logically, especially when we are asking residents to use their time and/or their money to do something.
What am I talking about? Well, let me give you an example.
A few months ago, when I introduced the School Health Certificate Modernization Amendment Act, it was out of frustration with our current process for how families submit the Universal Health Certificate and the Oral Health Assessment Form. Both documents are required for PK-12th grade students to attend school or camps each year. Families scramble to make the appointments; they often have to pay providers to fill out the forms per kid. And yet, inevitably the forms don’t seem to make it where they have to go – and parents are asked to submit them multiple times. In 2026, there has to be digital solution.
We learned a lot through this hearing process. DC Health, in pre-hearing responses, claimed that in SY2025-2026, only 10% of students turned in the required Universal Health Certificate. That seemed odd considering we have nearly 100K public school students alone. Furthermore, many schools allow families to upload the form during the school enrollment and re-enrollment process. Turns out – DC Health does not have access to those online systems. They rely on schools to print off copies of the forms, provide those paper copies to the school health suite staff, and the school health suite staff then manually enters the data into a DC Health system. Does this sound logical?
Ideally, school nurse staff would be spending their time getting to know students, following up on the information in these forms – and yet, they spend a great deal of time at the start of each school year just doing data entry. And even still, all of our students’ information is not being captured. When issues like this permeate, the effectiveness of policy and government itself can be questioned.
So, what do we do? How do we implement a more effective system that decreases pain points and still obtains the necessary information? What would the tradeoffs be if x policy was implemented over the other? And how do we ensure that the information collected is protected, relevant, and filed appropriately? Public and government witnesses and I wrestled with these questions at our hearing on Thursday, and we are working toward implementation of a better system in the next couple school years. As we dive into the next week and the busy final quarter of Council Period 26, this aim of making government work better for people will be top of mind for me.
The rest of this newsletter is filled with updates on the Committee on Health’s recent hearings and round tables, my community engagement, and constituent service announcements.
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
Councilmember Henderson Chairs the Committee on Health as they hold their first public hearing after officially reconvening after recess.
Committee on Health Updates
On Thursday, September 24, the Committee on Health held a public hearing on the School Health Certificate Modernization Amendment Act, the Student Health Care Amendment Act of 2026, and the Vaccine Administration Protection Amendment Act of 2026. The first bill was introduced by Councilmember Henderson, and the final two were introduced by Chairman Phil Mendelson at the request of the Mayor.
The School Health Certificate Modernization Amendment Act would require the Department of Health to create a digital system for receiving certificates of health and dental health for students attending public and private schools from health care providers, and it would prohibit health care providers from charging for a certificate of health or certificate of dental health.
Later that day, the Committee on Health held a public roundtable on DC Health and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s Ongoing Challenges with Training and Testing Certified Nurse Aides. Government witness testimony shared that students have expressed frustration over continued cancellation of testing dates and that while students have received training, they still experienced difficulty passing the exam. Currently, we have over 400 students eligible to take the exam to be licensed as a CNA
You can find the upcoming schedule for the Committee on Health below; witnesses can sign up to testify at https://lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings/. Stay tuned for updates.
Legislative Updates
On Tuesday, September 22, the DC Council held its first legislative meeting since reconvening after summer recess. During that meeting, the Council approved on first vote the Climatizing Our Overheated Living Spaces Regulation Amendment Act of 2026, which Councilmember Henderson reintroduced last year. The bill provides relief to residents by responding to the reality of our changing climate and revising the previously required dates that air conditioning and heat are required to be available in rental housing.
The Council also approved the Posthumous Care Modernization Amendment Act of 2026, which was introduced by former Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie last year. The bill authorizes alkaline hydrolysis to be used by funeral homes in the District.
On Wednesday, September 23, the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety held a public hearing that included the Let Our Vows Endure Amendment Act of 2026 which authorizes the Mayor to issue marriage licenses in the District during times when the Marriage Bureau of DC Superior Court is closed due to a federal government shutdown. Councilmember Henderson introduced an emergency version of the bill last year which allowed the Mayor’s office to pick up the duties of providing licenses. During the hearing for the permanent version of the legislation, government witness Victor Reid from the Office of the Secretary described the bill’s impact: “The biggest takeaway, it made a lot of people very happy.”
Christina in the Community
Supporting Girls Sports
On Wednesday, September 16, Councilmember Henderson visited John Hayden Johnson Middle School for the unveiling of their new girls' sports uniforms. The new uniforms were provided by Monumental Sports and Entertainment and Under Armour via their partnership for the Middle School Girls Sports Initiative. The initiative brings sports equipment and gear to DCPS middle school girls as an investment in the future of women’s sports. Councilmember Henderson is seen above with Ted Leonsis, owner of Monumental Sports and Entertainment.
The next day, Councilmember Henderson attended the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 55th Annual Legislative Conference that focused on issues impacting African Americans and the global Black community. This year’s theme, “Rooted, Ready, & Rising”, celebrated the community’s unique strengths and perspectives that allow it to foster solutions to critical issues. See some photo highlights from the conference below.
Councilmember Henderson and Florida State Rep. Angie Nixon, candidate for US Senate.
Legislative Assistants Nneka Onyekwuluje and Ange Joseph with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA).
Legislative Assistant Nneka Onyekwuluje and Communications Director Sierra Wallace
On Sunday, September 20, Councilmember Henderson supported some of the District’s women’s sports --the Washington Mystics and the Washington Spirit -- during their weeklong cross over called Capital Queens Week. The collaboration brings together players, fans, transit corridors, and local businesses to experience community driven activations. Councilmember Henderson can be seen with local artist Clare Imani who has partnered with the teams to create special Capital Queens apparel for the week. Capital Queens Week continues until Saturday, September 26. You can find information on the Washington Spirits game against Los Angeles Angel City FC at Audi Field, here.
On Friday, September 25, Councilmember Henderson participated in the 2026 State of the District and Region Conference’s panel on “The Cost of Care: Advancing Affordability Through Economics, Policy, and Innovation”. The discussion explored the rising cost of healthcare and strategies to improve affordability while maintaining access to high-quality health care. She was joined on the panel by Colette Chichester, VP of Government Affairs at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield; Karen Dale, CEO of AmeriHealth Caritas; Mila Kofman, Executive Director of DC Health Benefit Exchange; and Michael C. Sachtleben, Senior Vice President & COO of Washington Region Medstar.
ICYMI: Christina in the News
In the District
Community Week in DC
Community Week DC is a citywide celebration of belonging, running October 14 to October 21. It is dedicated to the builders, spaces, and communities that make real social connection possible across DC. Whether you are a community builder looking for peers and resources, someone seeking to find your people in DC, or just curious about the community space, there is something for you. Consider yourself a community builder? Then Community Week is built specifically with you in mind. Beyond the recognition and spotlight, you'll have access to builder-only gatherings, workshops on running sustainable communities, and the opportunity to connect with peers.
You can find a full list of events and more information, here.
¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!
Del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, celebramos la historia, la cultura y las contribuciones de las comunidades latinas en DC y en todo el país.
Este año es especialmente significativo, ya que la Oficina de la Alcaldesa Muriel Bowser para Asuntos Latinos(MOLA) celebra un importante hito: su 50.º aniversario, que representa cinco décadas de servicio, apoyo y colaboración con las comunidades latinas de DC.
A lo largo del mes, la Administración Bowser y MOLA conmemorarán este importante aniversario con eventos culturales, encuentros comunitarios y oportunidades para reunirnos y rendir homenaje a las personas y tradiciones que fortalecen nuestra ciudad.
Acompáñanos durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana para celebrar el 50.º aniversario de MOLA y cinco décadas de servicio a las comunidades latinas de DC.
From September 15 through October 15, we celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Latino communities in DC and across the nation.
This year is especially meaningful as the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA) celebrates a milestone 50th anniversary, marking five decades of service, advocacy, and partnership with DC’s Latino communities.
Throughout the month, the Bowser Administration and MOLA will celebrate this milestone through cultural events, community gatherings, and opportunities to come together and honor the people and traditions that make our city stronger.
Join us throughout Hispanic Heritage Month as we celebrate MOLA’s 50th anniversary and five decades of service to DC’s Latino communities.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Service Academy Night
Join Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton for her in-person Service Academy Night at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library, Room 401-A, (901 S St NW) on Monday, September 28th, from 5:30 to 7:30pm to learn about how to obtain a nomination to attend one of our nation's prestigious service academies.
All DC students, family, and teachers are welcome! Contact norton.academy@mail.house.gov to rsvp.
Pumpkin Palooza
Join the fall fun at PumpkinPalooza on October 28 at Alethia Tanner Park. Enjoy free “pick-your-own” pumpkins, live music, great food, local vendors, and costumed characters for families and neighbors to enjoy. It’s one of NoMa’s most popular community events and a festive way to celebrate the season. The Lead-Safe and Healthy Housing Division will be participating, as a tabling resource partner. We hope to see at the Alethia Tanner Park (227 Harry Thomas Way, NE) on Wednesday, October 28, at 7:00pm.
Lost in Translation Book Club
This book club aims to celebrate the labor translators provide in expanding the beauty of the literary world. Through contemporary works of fiction from authors in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China, with an honorable feature from the current poet laureate of the United States, Arthur Sze, we will explore the role of translation in enriching our understanding of the human condition. And read some great books!
The club will alternate between virtual and in person meetings on select Mondays, lasting for about one hour every month. Limited copies of each book will be available for checkout at West End Neighborhood library.
Please email westendlibrary@dc.gov for a link to the virtual meetings, or with any questions.
The DC History Conference: Submissions Open!
The DC History Conference is the largest annual gathering for history and humanities-minded people who care about the city of Washington, DC. The conference invites submissions from all community members: artists, educators, local organizers, performers, public history practitioners, researchers, scholars across the humanities and other fields, and students from middle through graduate school. In addition to traditional panel presentations, the committee encourages a variety of formats to showcase your work: the Research Showcase, History Network, Coffee Chat, Authors’ Corner, film screening, and other creative interpretations of history. The submission deadline is Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 10:00am.
The DC History Conference is co-presented by DC History Center + HumanitiesDC and DC Public Library and supported by organizational partners and a volunteer planning committee.
You can view more information and the conference submission form, here.
Constituent Service Corner
DPR’s Capital Projects Live Tracker
The Capital Projects Dashboard is an interactive tool where users can go to find information about ongoing funded capital projects. Users can click on any project shown on the map or find a specific project using the list on the left. Selecting a project displays project information, including the project phase, location, description, and budget.
You can access the tracker, here.
The 2026 RiverSmart Home Showcase
Join the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and the DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) at the 2026 RiverSmart Homes Showcase. The event will be held on Saturday, September 26 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church (rear parking lot), located at 4625 G Street, SE.
Learn how to keep our local waterways clean and healthy through green infrastructure and ecological landscaping practices. The event will include native tree and plant giveaways with activities for the whole family!
You can register for the event, here.
DCPS Back to School Block Party
DCPS' Back to School Block Party is a celebration welcoming students, educators, staff, families, and community to the new school year. The DCPS Block Party is a festive event that will be held at Dunbar High School (101 N St NW) on September 26 from 11:00am to 2:00pm. The event will be filled with important information and resources to help scholars thrive in School Year 2026-2027.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with DC Government agencies and community organizations and receive services related to health and wellness, food access, college and career readiness, and more. There will also be free food and fun activities onsite for all ages—from interactive games and face painting to student performances!
You can register, here.
You Are Not A Loan: Know Your Rights Debt Talk
Hear from Legal Aid DC attorneys about common types of consumer debt, including utility debt, credit card debt, car/auto debt, and medical debt. Learn your rights as a consumer, how to protect yourself from predatory debt collections, and legal options for debt relief. The conversation takes place at Benning/Dorothy I. Height Library, Meeting Room 1 (3935 Benning Road NE) from Saturday, October 10 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm.
Stay for an open discussion about debt, led by Debt Collective, with a focus on fighting the stigma around debt and moving toward empowerment and organizing.
You can register for the event, here.
Get Paw-tected, Free Vaccines
Don’t miss the chance to paw-tect your pet! DC residents are welcome to bring their cat or dog for free vaccines including Rabies, FVRCP and DA2PPV, plus free microchips. No registration needed, first come first served!
Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr SE
King Greenleaf Park, 201 N. St SW
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.