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Dear Neighbors,
Well, October has arrived and so has another federal government shutdown. DC government is continuing with normal operations (although some services provided via federal programs may face disruption) and we are trying to aid those who may be left in the lurch due to this congressional logjam. For example, on Tuesday, the Council will once again vote on emergency legislation I’ve introduced – Let Our Vows Endure Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 – which will allow the Mayor to issue marriage licenses during the federal government shutdown.
If you haven’t really been tuned into the news, you may be wondering what exactly this shutdown is about this time. Well, center to the debate is healthcare. You see, millions of Americans and thousands of small businesses who have private health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges have experienced lower premiums thanks to a health insurance tax credit. These premium tax credits were introduced in 2021 and are scheduled to expire at the end of this year. Although Congress just passed the large tax bill via reconciliation in July known as the One Big Beautiful Bill (what a name!), an extension of these vital healthcare premium tax credits was not included.
I want to underscore what’s at stake here, especially for DC residents:
Shutdowns are always tough especially with the number of federal workers we have in our region. But I think it’s important for people to know what this fight is really about. Congress may never vote to fully repeal the ACA but moves like this chip away at its efficacy and affordability.
If you’re a federal worker or someone who has been affected by the shutdown, many organizations and businesses are offering discounts or free items to aid in getting through this time. You can find information about how DC’s Department of Employment Services can assist here, and a number of local businesses are offeringdiscounts to impacted federal workers as well. If you are in need of groceries or food, organizations like DPR Communal Farms, Capital Area Food Bank, ReDeliciousDC,THEARC, and Bread for the City have weekly food distribution programs that anyone may use. We do not know how long this shutdown may last, but it’s important we continue to support one another.
Similarly on the healthcare front, the District has more changes coming to our Medicaid program, as we head toward the end of the year. On January 1, 2026, DC Medicaid eligibility requirements will change, and as a result some residents may no longer be eligible for Medicaid. However, there is a new option for health coverage available, the new Healthy DC Plan. The new Healthy DC Plan offers health coverage at no cost to enrollees, with no monthly fees and no out of pocket costs for covered services. It also covers essential healthcare needs such as primary care and specialist doctor visits, urgent care and hospitalizations, prescription drugs, mental health care, and more. Those who already have Medicaid coverage will be automatically enrolled in the new Healthy DC plan. Visit www.dchealthlink.com/HealthyDCPlan to learn more.
While these changes may not be ideal, they are in an effort to continue to provide non-lapsing health care to our residents amidst an ever-changing federal landscape.As I recently said in an interview with Daniel Egitto for the 51st News, "...it is really hard for us to have the stability and consistency of some of these policies, particularly around health insurance, when we’re dealing with a president and a Congress that is constantly moving the goalposts on what they’re trying to do with federal policy.
This opening letter could certainly be much longer as there is so much happening, but I have to stop here. Keep reading for more updates. And as the weather begins to get crisper, I hope you take moments to find joy in the fall season.
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
On Tuesday, September 23, the Committee on Health held its first public roundtablesince the Council’s return from recess. The public roundtable covered nominations to the Health Benefit Exchange Authority Executive Board and the Board of Dietetics and Nutrition.
On Thursday, September 25, the Committee on Health approved the nomination of Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, who previously served as the director of DC Health, to the Health Benefit Exchange Authority Executive Board during an additional meeting.
On Tuesday, September 30, the Committee on Health held a public oversight roundtable on Managed Care Organizations (MCO) in the District’s Medicaid Program. The roundtable included testimony from the public and MCO leadership regarding their delivery of services, challenges, and opportunities to improve health conditions. Key takeaways from the roundtable include the need for more streamlined provider credentialing, continued focus on claim denials and prior authorization, and better alignment between the government and MCO performance metrics.
The Committee on Health plans to hold the following hearings; stay tuned for times and opportunities to participate.
Thursday, October 30:
Wednesday, November 5:
Thursday, November 6:
Thursday, November 20:
Wednesday, December 10:
Thursday, December 11:
DMVMoves Transit Tour
On Monday, September 22, Councilmember Henderson joined leaders from across the region to tour Metro’s Integrated Command and Communications Center. The tour also included a discussion on bus priority lanes and the investments needed to increase bus frequency and reliability– while riding a Metrobus to view the region’s first operational Bus Rapid Transit Route (BRT). A behind-the-scenes look at one of Metro’s train control rooms at Farragut North Station was included in the tour and featured wiring from 1987, highlighting the need for consistent funding for the system’s operations and infrastructure improvements.
DC Chamber of Commerce’s State of the District & Region Conference
That same day, Councilmember Henderson spoke at the DC Chamber of Commerce’s State of the District & Region Conference on a panel about the state of health in the District. She described the ongoing impact of federal policy shifts on Medicaid, vaccines, and federal grants, as well as promising innovation in the District, such as summer certification programs for nursing aides and expanded fresh produce offerings at Healthy Corner stores.
COVID-19 Vaccines Without Prescriptions
Following the Council’s passage on September 17 of Councilmember Henderson’s emergency legislation - the Community Health Emergency Amendment Act of 2025,which ensures that DC residents can continue to access safe and effective vaccines from local pharmacies without a prescription - members of Councilmember Henderson’s staff received vaccinations for COVID-19 and the flu. Showing off their post-vaccine band-aids are Committee on Health members Senior Policy Advisor Marcia Huff and Health Policy Legislative Advisor Rebecca Cooper, along with Deputy Chief of Staff Heather Edelman.
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Leadership Reception
On Wednesday, September 24, Councilmember Henderson joined Mayor Bowser and her Council colleagues in welcoming leaders from across the nation to the District for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference.
Honoring Colbert I. “Colby” King
Later that night, Councilmember Henderson joined members of the DC press corps, community leaders, Mayor Bowser, and Councilmembers to honor District legend, Colby King at Hacks and Flacks. King has most recently served as a columnist for the Washington Post where he joined the editorial board in 1990. King grew up in Foggy Bottom and attended Francis Junior High School and later Howard University. He has served as a special agent for the U.S. State Department, called attention to sickle-cell anemia during a fellowship at the former Health, Education and Welfare department, worked for Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), aided in drafting the DC Home Rule Act as minority staff director of the Senate House District Committee, served as United States Executive Director of the World Bank, and more. In 2003, King received the Pulitzer Prize for his columns, which often challenged racial discrimination and religious fundamentalism, critiqued the criminal justice system, and spoke out against the exploitation of the poor.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference
During the last week of September, staff members Nneka Onyekwuluje, Legislative Assistant, and Sierra Wallace, Communications Director, attended the Congressional Black Caucus’ Annual Legislative Conference. The conference focuses on issues impacting African Americans and the global black community with an emphasis on health, politics, and economic issues.
Go NATS!
On Saturday, September 27, the Washington Nationals welcomed Councilmember Henderson and many constituents to Nationals Park. Councilmember Henderson is pictured with her husband Nu Wexler, her daughters Jordan and Cameron, and Gregory McCarthy, Senior Vice President for Community Engagement for the Nationals. Thanks to those of you who attended the game, dodged the light raindrops, and stuck around for the win!
Getting Vaccinated at John A. Wilson Building
On Wednesday, October 1, Councilmember Christina Henderson participated in the 2025 Flu Shot Clinic Tour inside the John A. Wilson Building and received her flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. The event was sponsored by DC Human Resources, Safeway, and the DC Council’s Human Resources team. Remember to stay healthy this fall by getting vaccinated at your local pharmacy.
The New Ward 8 Advanced Technical Center (ATC)
On Thursday, October 2, Councilmember Henderson, alongside Mayor Muriel Bowser and Councilmember Trayon White, Sr., helped launch the new Ward 8 Advanced Technical Center (ATC) and DC HEAL (District of Columbia Health Care and Employment Link) apprenticeship program. The Ward 8 ATC is modeled from the original ATC in Ward 5 and allows students to earn college credit and industry-recognized credentials aligned to in-demand health care occupations and engage in paid, for-credit internships with employer partners. The DC HEAL apprenticeship allows ATC and other high school graduates to work directly in health care after graduation while continuing their training.
Recovery is REAL Panel Discussion for National Recovery Month
Finishing out the week, Marcia Huff, Senior Policy Advisor for the Committee on Health moderated a discussion in recognition of National Recovery Month, centered on the theme “Recovery is REAL.” The theme Restoring Every Aspect of Life (REAL) emphasizes that recovery from substance use disorder is not just about abstaining from substances, but about healing the whole person. It means restoring health, rebuilding home and community, and rediscovering purpose. Recovery is a comprehensive, long-term journey toward a meaningful and fulfilling life.
The event featured a book talk on A Marriage That Changed the World: Lois and Bill Wilson and the Addiction Recovery Movement by local authors Tom Adams and Joy Jones. Panel participants included substance use disorder providers, peers, and experts who are leading the way in the recovery movement here in the District.
Youth Day at the Pavilion
Mark your calendar for the for Youth Sports For All, Youth Day! The first ever Youth Sports For All Day is Saturday, October 4, at the Pavilion at the RFK Campus (401 Oklahoma Ave NE) from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Come for an afternoon of food, music, prizes, and connection.
DMV Democracy Festival
Democracy Festival is a family-friendly democracy festival that aims to widen and deepen civic engagement, foster collaboration, and make democracy more fun and social with financially sustainable, youth- and family-friendly interactions. Activities will include digital and analog games to learn about democracy through play; a Democracy Wall for attendees to draw and write about democracy; a youth summit on policymaking; discussions on democracy, media, education, and economics; and a comedy show. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 4, 1:00pm to 6:00pm at All Souls Church Unitarian (1500 Harvard St NW), an eight-minute walk from the Columbia Heights Metro Station on the Green Line.
You can find the schedule for the Democracy Festival, here.
#HeightsNight
Every Tuesday this October, neighbors in Columbia Heights are supporting small businesses by shopping and eating locally. This initiative aims to aid local businesses impacted by the federal surge
Join Fall Family Fest
Fall Family Fest will be held on Sunday, October 12 from 12:30pm to 3:30pm atthe Lot at 4th and M. The Fall Family Fest will feature live music, food and market vendors, raffle prizes, photo opportunities at our Portrait Station, painting of a Community Mural, Gymboree, face painting, portraits & caricatures, and a pet adoption opportunity. There will be pet-friendly activities including a "Mutt Strutt" along 4th Street, pet-friendly vendors, and a pet costume contest. The 2026 PAWS of Southwest calendar will also be available for purchase.
You can register here.
Volunteer at Boo at the Zoo
Boo at the Zoo is back this October! This beloved family-friendly Halloween event features 30 treat stations throughout the Zoo, plus playful vignettes of frolicking skeletons and fantastic creatures along the main pathway, Olmsted Walk. Guests can also explore the Elephant Community Center, Small Mammal House, and Reptile Discovery Center, where animals will enjoy spooky enrichment and festive treats.
Boo at the Zoo helps fund essential operations at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, supporting our mission to care for animals and protect endangered species. The success of this children's trick-or-treating celebration depends on the generous support of our volunteers. We couldn’t do it without you!
Sign up to volunteer on October 17, 18, or 19 and help bring the magic to life! You can learn more information, here.
Join Mitchell Park Fall Fun Day
Mitchell Park Fall Fun Day is an annual community celebration bringing together 500+ neighbors, families, and kids. Help us welcome fall with free activities, food, crafts, community organizations, music, pumpkin decorating, a haunted house, and more! Join in on the fun, Sunday, October 26 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at 2222 S St NW. The event is accessible via Dupont Circle Metro (Red Line), D70 / D72 / D74 buses, or local street parking.
2025 Late Skate
Come get your skate on! Join APACC, Friends of Anacostia Park, the LinkUP DC and the National Park Service for a day of music, recreation and kinship in DC's most storied skating venue. Saturday, October 29, from 4:00pm to 10:00pm at Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion (1500 Anacostia Drive). Free skate rentals!
2025 Songbird Art Contest
The 2025 Songbird Art Contest invites young artists to celebrate the beauty and wonder of North America's songbirds. Open to all K-12 students, this annual competition encourages creativity and conservation by spotlighting some of the continent’s most captivating – and threatened – bird species. This year’s featured species includes Black-and-white Warbler, Pinyon Jay, Purple Finch, Varied Bunting, and White-breasted Nuthatch. Visit this link to learn more about the contest and how to submit entries by the deadline of November 30.
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.
Important Updates on Health Care Alliance
Attention! Do you receive Health Care Alliance, Immigrant’s Children’s Program? If so, please review the following DC Health Care Alliance and Medicaid changes that are coming.
Health Care Alliance Changes Effective October 1, 2025
What’s NOT Changing in Health Care Alliance
WMATA Metro Updates and Alerts
For more information go to https://wmata.com/service/status/.
Join the National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC)
The National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) is inviting youth practitioners, community leaders, employers, and young people to join them in Washington, D.C. for our annual Youth Days event from November 5th -7th, 2025. There will be engaging workshops aimed at empowering participants with the tools and confidence to lead meaningful discussions with policy makers. In these practical sessions, participants will discover the strategies and methods necessary to communicate successfully for specific causes and for their communities.
For more information and to register, click here
DPW: The Podcast that Explains How Public Works...Works
Did you know the Department of Public Works (DPW) has a podcast? DPW's podcast “Inside DPW: The Podcast that Explains How Public Works...Works,” airs weekdays at 9:00am on DCradio.gov. Available on Spotify and iHeartRadio, each episode dives deep into the work of DPW, spotlighting both the people behind the services and the challenges they tackle every day. Listeners will gain insight into the culture of graffiti from experts who explain why it’s so tough for municipalities around the world to tackle. You'll hear how they work with other agencies to close the loop on service concerns and also from leaders of other jurisdictions to see how DC stacks up. And when it comes to reducing the District’s rodent population, you’ll hear directly from rat specialists who break down rodent behavior so residents understand the role they can play in helping to keep vermin at bay.
You can check out previous episodes here.
Composting Made Easier with DC’s Food Waste Smart Bins
DC Residents and visitors can help the District meet its zero waste goals by dropping off their food scraps at any of the thirty food waste ‘Smart Bins’ available ward-wide 24/7. The Food Waste Smart Bins’ “rodent-resistant” design keeps food scraps out of the reach of rats or other rodents. The smart bins, which have sensors that monitor bin fullness levels, can be accessed using the metroKEY mobile app or an easy-to-remember keypad code if you don't have a smartphone.
Get the DC DMV App
DC DMV has made it easier for you to "Skip-the-Trip" with several new updates to our mobile app! DC DMV allows access to several online services for the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, including the following: