.svg)
Neighbors,
Summer is flying by and a new school year is getting started! To aid in planning for the year ahead, I’d like to share the 2024 Back to School Guide created by the Mayor’s office. The guide includes everything from information on out-of-school time programming to student transportation services. I’d also like to remind parents to check DC Health’s immunization requirements for school age children (including middle and high school students). As summer winds down, the District’s outdoor pools and spray parks have begun to close in waves. You can check the end-of-season pool closure schedule here so that you can get in one last swim before Labor Day, September 2.
Before I close, I want to discuss a couple issues that have been in the news recently. Having an accurate, professional, and reliable 911 operation is central to any jurisdiction's public safety response and I am frustrated by the technical and staffing challenges that the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) agency has been facing, as well as a lack of communication on plans to rectify the matter. I have sent an official request to OUC leadership to submit details regarding their plan to improve their performance and look forward to hearing from them soon.
In light of the recent legal charges against a member of the Council, I would like to provide an update on the Council’s actions regarding the allegations. Under the Council Chairman’s recommendation, Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. will be removed as a Committee Chair, and an Ad Hoc Committee will be created to determine disciplinary action, should Councilmember White not take action on his own. You can read my full statement on the matter here. The allegations against Councilmember White undermine public trust in our government, our agencies, and our elected officials; and we must all get to work on the difficult task of rebuilding that trust.
In service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
Christina in the Community
DC History Center
On Monday, August 5, Councilmember Henderson and staff visited the DC History Center. The DC History Center is located inside the Carnegie Library in Mount Vernon Square and offers a wealth of knowledge on the District’s expansive history and educates visitors on issues such as Home Rule, former segregation lines, and the city’s LGBTQ+ history.
Hispanic Bar Association of DC
Later that week on Thursday, August 8, Councilmember Henderson gave the opening remarks for the Hispanic Bar Association of DC’s panel discussion on the “Potential Impact of the 2024 Federal Elections on the Local Community.” Her remarks focused on the limitations of Home Rule, with examples including the likelihood of Congress interfering with DC legislation.
Marion Barry Ave Market
On Wednesday, August 21, Committee on Health staff toured the upcoming Marion Barry Ave Market with Director of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, Jaren Hill Lockridge. The market space is slated to open by October 1 and will include a demonstration kitchen for classes, shared kitchen model, and an area to order fresh food; these additions to the facility will create job opportunities and create a hub for community engagement while addressing food insecurity.
Ward 8 Health Council Youth Resource Fair
Committee on Health staff also attended the inaugural Ward 8 Health Council Youth Resource Fair at the new Department of Health headquarters on Wednesday. The fair featured students from CompuRecycling Center’s Medical Ascension program, with youth participants presenting on topics such as diabetes, heart health, and maternal health.
In Case You Missed It: Councilmember Henderson in the News
DC’s 911 call center employees to get $800 bonus to show up to work, Kate Ryan for WTOP, 8/13/2024
Back to School Day at RFK
Join leaders from Mayor Bowser’s Administration today, August 23, for DC Back to School Day at RFK and get free backpacks and school supplies, haircuts, District resources, food, fun and more at The Fields (401 Oklahoma Ave NE) from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm!
Shelter Locations
Low-barrier shelters are accessible for those experiencing homelessness, operate year round, and remain open 24 hours.
Shelters for Men
Shelters for Women
Shelters for LGBTQ+:
Summer 2024 Red Line Construction
Summer construction has started on the Red Line, closing the Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen and Silver Spring stations. Stations will be closed through August 31. Follow the link to plan your travel here.
Information on Services
Prevention Services
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.
Stay Connected
Thank you for reading! Please stay in touch.
Christina Henderson
At-Large Councilmember
chenderson@dccouncil.gov
Mike Shaffer
Chief of Staff
mshaffer@dccouncil.gov
Heather Edelman
Deputy Chief of Staff
hedelman@dccouncil.gov
Gabrielle Rogoff
Legislative Director
grogoff@dccouncil.gov
Ana Berríos-Vázquez
Constituent Services Director
aberriosvazquez@dccouncil.gov
Sierra Wallace
Communications Director
swallace@dccouncil.gov
Nicholas Pcholkin
Senior Legislative Assistant
npcholkin@dccouncil.gov
Taylor Coleman
Legislative Aide
tcoleman@dccouncil.gov
Health Committee
Ona Balkus
Committee Director
obalkus@dccouncil.gov
Marcia Huff
Senior Policy Advisor
mhuff@dccouncil.gov
Rebecca Cooper
Health Policy Advisor
rcooper@dccouncil.gov
Ashley Strange
Legislative Assistant
astrange@dccouncil.gov