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Neighbors,
Are you registered to vote?
The General Election is next Tuesday, November 5, and if you haven’t yet voted or need information on how to do so, I’ve got you covered.
For those who are not yet registered to vote, same-day in-person voter registration is available at any vote center during early voting or on election day. A complete list of voting centers can be found here. If you still have your mail-in ballot, residents can still submit their mail-in ballot to one of the 55 ballot drop boxes in the District. You can find a complete list of locations here. In-person early voting in the District will continue through November 3, and District residents may vote at any vote center regardless of where in the District they live. Wait times can be viewed here.
If residents have questions or concerns, they can contact the DC Board of Elections by calling (202)727-2525 or by visiting dcboe.org.
In service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
Committee on Health Updates
On Monday, October 28, the Committee on Health held a roundtable on the “Oversight, Capacity, and Quality of In-Patient Psychiatric Facilities and the Continuum of Behavioral Health Care in the District of Columbia.” The roundtable included leaders of the Department of Behavioral Health, DC Health, the Department of Healthcare Finance, several hospitals, and community-based providers. The conversation aimed to identify gaps in the inpatient psychiatric facilities that these entities oversee. The District is in a need of a strategic vision to address our need for intensive outpatient services, partial hospitalization, and residential treatment facilities.
Key Legislative Updates
On Monday, October 21, the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety held a hearing on the Safe and Supported Pregnancy and Delivery for Incarcerated Individuals Amendment Act of 2024. During the hearing, Councilmember Henderson voiced her concern for reproductive care and maternal health outcomes of District residents, specifically, those who enter the criminal justice system, as they are more likely to miscarry, deliver early, and experience health complications. Witness testimony of note included an account from a support person who attended an incarcerated individual's delivery. The individual described having to repeatedly show and explain legislation that deemed it illegal to restrain a pregnant person during their delivery to officers that were attending from the Department of Corrections.
On Tuesday, October 29, the Committee of the Whole held its 32nd legislative meeting and gave its first vote on the following bills that were previously marked up by the Health Committee or were introduced by Councilmember Henderson:
Upcoming Committee on Health Hearing Dates
The upcoming schedule for the Committee on Health is below. You can view a complete list of DC Council hearings at dccouncil.gov/hearings.
Christina In the Community
Blade’s Best of LGBTQ D.C. 2024
On October 17, Councilmember Henderson received the title of “Best DC Public Official” by the readers of the Washington Blade. The publication is the oldest LGBTQ newspaper in the United States and covers gay, lesbian, and transgender news in Washington, DC and the world.
Mayor/Council Breakfast
On October 22, Councilmember Henderson attended the Mayor/Council Breakfast where DC Councilmembers discussed election and inauguration security measures and overall preparedness with Mayor Bowser.
Levar Burton in the Wilson Building
Later that day, Councilmember Henderson met with Levar Burton, award-winning actor, director, and television host. He also serves on the board of DC’s Earth Conservation Corps, a nonprofit youth development and environmental service organization located on the Anacostia River. The organization aims to empower youth to reclaim the Anacostia River, their community, and their lives by providing youth corps members with professional skills and developing their expertise in environmental issues.
Raymond Elementary
On Wednesday, October 30, Councilmember Henderson met with Raymond Elementary third graders. Students asked questions about DC Council, how Councilmember Henderson got her job on the DC Council, and how laws are made in DC.
DC Hospital Association Maternal Health Town Hall
Later that day, Councilmember Henderson joined a panel conversation on maternal health issues at the DC Hospital Association’s annual educational conference. In addition to maternal health, the conference was scheduled to feature sessions on: diversity, equity and inclusion; technology and artificial intelligence; and health care quality.
On Thursday, October 31, Councilmember Henderson facilitated a conversation with members of the Transportation Planning Board (TPB) during the 2024 Regional Roadway Safety Summit. Councilmember Henderson has been serving as chair of TPB this year. The purpose of the half-day event was to explore transportation safety issues affecting our region and offer a forum to discuss a comprehensive approach to lower traffic-related injuries and fatalities in our communities.
In Case You Missed It: Councilmember Henderson in the News
Constituent Service Corner
Fall Leaf Collection 2024
The Department of Public Works (DPW) will conduct leaf collection service beginning October 28, 2024, through February 8, 2025, for residents who receive DPW trash and recycling services. To view the leaf tracker and find your leaf collection section based on your address, the leaf tracker will show the raking area in Wards 1 through 8 and can be viewed here.
Open Enrollment Community Day and Health Fair
Join DC Health Link’s Open Enrollment Community Day and Health Fair, a celebration where DC residents will have access to on-site enrollment, FREE expert help, health screenings, delicious food, wellness demos, mariachi music, giveaways, and more! Join the fun and enroll in a quality, affordable health plan! The health fair will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 10:30am to 2:00pm at the Carlos Rosario Sonia Gutierrez Campus, 514 V Street, NE. You can register here.
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.
DC Hires VETs
The District of Columbia’s Department of Human Resources (DCHR) will hold a career fair for veterans on Thursday, November 14, 2024, 10:00am to 4:00pm, at the D.C. Armory located at 2001 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003. Participating District Government agencies, partnering private sector companies, and partnering non-profit organizations will make on-the-spot job offers for available opportunities in several industries. Offers that cannot be made on-the-spot will be made within weeks after the event pending any required suitability prescreening requirements. The event is free and individuals wishing to participate must preregister.
Pre-Registration: Friday, November 1, 2024, 12:00pm to Sunday, November 10, 2024, 11:59pm. You can find more information, here.
Events DC Presents: Feast of Sharing
The Safeway Feast of Sharing celebrates the spirit of the “season of giving” by serving a festive meal on the day before Thanksgiving to underprivileged District of Columbia residents, senior citizens and veterans. Additionally, the Feast of Sharing includes a community services expo, health screenings, free winter coats (while supplies last) and much more. The event will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center located at 801 Allen Y. Lew Place, NW (formerly, Mt. Vernon Place, NW).
Metro: Downtown Blue, Orange, and Silver Line Station Closures
Beginning December 20, Metro is altering train service and closing some Downtown Blue, Orange, and Silver stations as part of a major construction project to improve tracks, signaling, and make a smoother ride for customers. Free shuttle buses will replace trains during the 11-day project. Work will be completed in two phases. You can find more information, here.
Closures From December 20 to 26,
Closures From December 27 to 30,
Stations will reopen December 31.
Free Weekly Veggie Giveaway
Mayor Bowser presents FREE weekly veggie giveaways at DPR Communal Farms. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday you can pick up local, fresh, and FREE vegetables from DPR community gardens! For locations and times, refer to the list below. Every Saturday, you can volunteer and harvest during open hours.
• Lederer Garden 4801 Nannie H. Burroughs Avenue NE Giveaways every Wednesday, 11am to 12pm through November 28 Volunteer every Saturday, 9am to 2pm through November 28
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+:
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