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Dear Neighbor,
Last week, the District delivered on a huge commitment to improve our public health infrastructure and provide an integrated system of care for residents on the east end of our city by cutting the ribbon on the long awaited Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center - GW Health in Ward 8. Cedar Hill has officially begun seeing patients this week, marking the start of a new chapter and partnership between DC, Universal Health Services, GW School of Medicine, and Children’s National Hospital. While I was excited to celebrate this milestone, we are far from finished in our work to improve health outcomes for all residents across the District.
Speaking of the future, I'm sure you are wondering what’s happening with the budget. As most of you know by now, the US House of Representatives left DC for a two-week break without taking up and passing the legislation that would allow DC to continue spending our local dollars at the previously approved Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 levels. This needed to be resolved to avoid harmful cuts to public safety, public education, and human services, and to allow the Mayor and Council could begin the budget process for FY 2026. Unfortunately, because of the lack of action by the House for nearly a month, spending freezes are beginning and the Mayor will be submitting a supplemental budget for FY 2025 with cuts soon.
My hope is that the House will act upon their return at the end of April and that we won’t have to make draconian cuts to things like public safety overtime spending right before hosting large events like the FIFA Club World Cup games and World Pride this June. But the US House is the US House, and as an institution its timing and priorities are anything but predictable week to week.
As for the FY 2026 budget process, I hope to have a better idea next week. While there will likely be news stories over the coming days about what’s in versus what’s out — or even speculation about capital investments (ahem, the future of RFK stadium) — nothing is official until we see it on paper. With so much fluctuation happening with the markets and economy, it’s going to be important for people to pay attention to this budget. I will do my best to provide detailed updates — maybe even reviving my whiteboard videos.
The Council was on recess this week, so this edition of the newsletter is shorter than usual. Still, it’s full of important information about upcoming events and what I’ve been up to. This coming week I’ll be speaking at ANC8F (Navy Yard), the DC Chamber of Commerce Health Policy Forum, and hosting some local bands during Petworth Porchfest, among other things.
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
Pictured above: Councilmember Henderson joins Mayor Bowser, Deputy Mayor for the District of Columbia Health and Human Services, Wayne Turnage; CEO of Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, Dr. Anthony Coleman; and Chairman of the DC Council, Phil Mendelson for the official ribbon cutting for Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center in Ward 8.
On Thursday, April 10, Councilmember Henderson re-introduced the Unlocking Housing at Metro Property Tax Exemption Amendment Act of 2025. The legislation would reduce cost burdens on qualifying developments at Metro stations by waiving property taxes for 20 years, encouraging the development of incorporated housing and new or rehabilitated structures.
AKA Day at the Wilson Building
On Wednesday, April 9, Councilmember Henderson met with DC-based graduate chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., including Xi Omega , Xi Zeta Omega, Rho Mu Omega , and Alpha Beta Upsilon Omega during their day of advocacy at the Wilson Building. During the meeting they discussed pressing health initiatives such as maternal mortality and suicide prevention. They also discussed priorities for the upcoming budget.
LeadingAge DC Conference
On the same day, Rebecca Cooper, Health Policy Advisor for the Committee on Health attended the LeadingAge DC conference as a panelist. The conference aims to bring together those who share knowledge and perspectives on the future of aging services. Other panel guests included local leaders from DC Health, the Department of Health Care Finance and the Department of Aging and Community Living. During discussion, Cooper provided insight on aging services across the continuum of care, including the status of the implementation of the Certified Nurse Aide Amendment Act, a bill introduced by Councilmember Henderson in 2023 which became law in late 2024; and the value of community advocacy and partnering across subject matters.
Delta Day at the DC Council
Later that day, Councilmember Henderson met with the DC-based chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., including the Federal City Alumnae Chapter and the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter, as they visited the Wilson Building for their annual Delta Day at the DC Council. The wide-ranging conversation on their priorities included discussion about period poverty, reproductive health, and strengthening adult education programs in the District.
Howard University Hospital Health Fair and Community Baby Shower
To wrap up the week’s activities, on Friday, April 11, Councilmember Henderson joined Howard University’s Hospital Health Fair and Community Baby Shower as the keynote speaker. Councilmember Henderson shared information on legislation that she has introduced that aids birthing people, such as the Maternal Health Resources and Access Act of 2021, which provides coverage under Medicare for doulas, and the Safe and Supported Pregnancy and Delivery for Incarcerated Individuals Amendment Act of 2024, which increases access to pregnancy and postpartum care for incarcerated individuals who are pregnant or new parents. She also highlighted the Pay Equity Fund, which she has championed and has created more affordable childcare in the District.
Truck Touch 2025
On Saturday, May 3, 2025 at RFK Stadium’s Lot 8 (2400 East Capitol Street, SE — entrance off Independence Ave SE) the District will rev up with excitement from 8:00am to 1:00pm for the annual "Truck Touch" celebration. Watch local students take the wheel as they navigate a dynamic track in electric vehicles they’ve engineered themselves! You can get a front-row seat for the EV time trials from 9:00am to 11:00am, followed by wheel-to-wheel racing kicking off at 12:30pm. Hosted by the DC Department of Public Works, this free, family-friendly event invites kids to climb aboard big rigs while grown-ups get to test out equipment usually seen from a distance. The event will also offer free packed lunch for youth under 18.
You can register for this free event, here.
Petworth Porchfest
Petworth Porchfest is a volunteer-led annual event aimed at fostering community by offering Petworth residents an opportunity to host local bands on their porch, where residents and visitors can enjoy live music together. This year Petworth Porchfest will take place on April 26, with musicians playing on porches from 2pm to 6pm and 5pm to 8pm on the main stage.
You can find more information on Petworth Porchfest, here.
DMV Farmers and Flea Market
Join the RFK Farmers and Flea Market on Saturdays (weather permitting) for produce, food, clothes, shoes, accessories, books, toys, household items, antiques, health and beauty items, CDs , electronics, and more. The event is located on the Festival Grounds (Lot 6) at RFK Campus from 7:00am to 3:00pm. For inquiries please contact Tracy Fleming at 443-670-6225.
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.
Free Food Distribution from the Capital Area Food Bank
The Capital Area Food Area Food Bank is here to support the large number of our neighbors who have been impacted by recent reductions in federal jobs and funding. Beginning on Saturday, April 5th, the food bank will be holding new pop-up food distributions twice a week. These pop-up distributions will offer pantry items and fresh produce on Thursdays from 5 – 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 – 11 a.m., or while supplies last each day. The distributions can be found in the parking lots of the following retail locations:
District of Columbia
Maryland
Virginia
Those in need of food assistance can learn more about these pop-up food distributions, as well as how to access support at other times and locations, by visiting capitalareafoodbank.org/dmv-help.
Health Insurance for Impacted Federal Workers
Enroll today in quality and affordable health insurance. All DC residents losing employer health coverage qualify for a DC Health Link private insurance plan offered by DC Health Link. Private health insurance plans start as low as $13 a month (depending on household income) and include 27 private health insurance plans to meet every need and budget.
You can schedule your virtual enrollment here.
Learn more by calling (855) 532-5465 or by visiting DC Health Link here.
Introducing Brandywine Valley SPCA
Starting January 1, 2025, the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) took over all animal care and control services for Washington, DC. In the first month, BVSPCA has also launched adoptions for dogs, cats, and other critters, Express Pet Health Services for family pets, as well as volunteer and foster programs to engage the community in our work. BVSPCA is already celebrating reuniting lost pets with their worried families, adoptions of pets needing a new home, and lifesaving medical care for DC animals in need.
You can learn more about Brandywine Valley SPCA and its services here.
To report an animal in distress in the District, please call BVSPCA at (202) 888-PETS.
Communal Farm Weekly Veggie Giveaway
DPR Communal Farms are urban Agriculture sites that are organized as communal production farms, managed by DPR staff and community volunteers, with the purpose of providing various ways for community members to receive free food, volunteer, and participate in hands on educational opportunities. From May to November DPR Communal Farms host three Communal Farm Weekly Veggie Giveaways where community members can pick up free veggies, volunteers on the farm, and/or participant in free programming.
Participants must register to attend any giveaway. Participants can register, here.
For questions or to receive updates on what is being harvested, volunteer opportunities, pop up giveaways, weekly programs and weather cancellations please email joshua.singer@dc.gov
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Utility Discount Programs (UDP) assists low-income District residents with reducing utility costs. To qualify, you must meet income guidelines and utility bills must be in the applicant's name. Eligible residents could receive discounts on electric, gas, and water and sewer bills. Applicants can apply by phone by calling 1-800-234-9473 or by creating an account and applying online, here.
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