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Dear Neighbors,
Recent decisions at the federal level could impact District residents’ health, and I’d like to share some updates to ensure that you are not only aware but properly equipped.
On August 10, an executive order was issued to reshape the federal government’s approach to childhood vaccines. Specifically, it calls for the separation of combination vaccines such as the one given for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)– a seismically different approach which is currently not possible. It also recommends only vaccinating children against 11 diseases rather than the previously recommended 17. This all comes after the United States has recorded more than 2,770 confirmed measles cases this year alone, with cases being recorded in DC, Maryland, and Virigina. Unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status represent almost all reported measles cases.
The good news is that DC will not immediately be impacted by the new executive order. Last September, I introduced the Community Health Amendment Act of 2025, which became law this spring. The bill authorizes healthcare providers in the District to order and administer vaccines recommended by a competent medical or public health organization as designated by DC Health, as opposed to simply federal immunization recommendations. If you recall to last year, federal actions then created uncertainty and confusion about the future of evidence-based federal immunization recommendations. We decided to pivot to ensure DC residents would continue to have access to the full suite of immunizations and I’m glad we acted when we did. In 2025, DC Health considered the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Vaccinations are essential for herd immunity, and with students back in the classroom it’s never too late to know when and where to get vaccinated. Residents can visit DC Health’s website vaccines.dc.gov to access immunization records, a children’s vaccination guide, a school immunization guide, and a list of clinics offering pediatric and adult services. A reminder, vaccinations are important for adults, as well. Respiratory season is around the corner, and no one likes being sick. Schedule an appointment today at your local clinic for you and your little one.
Ensuring student wellness also includes asking ourselves, how much technology should they interact with during the school day? Join DCPS for a virtual Parent University session focused on technology in our classrooms. Hear how digital tools are being used and learn what safeguards are being put in place to protect our students, along with the steps the District is taking to promote a balanced approach to screen time. This virtual event takes place Tuesday, September 1, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. You can register, here.
The Council’s summer recess is almost over, and my team and I are busy and excitedly preparing for upcoming hearings and roundtables. Stay tuned for more information.
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
The Committee on Health will resume holding hearings after the conclusion of summer recess on September 15, witnesses can sign up to testify at https://lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings/.
On Monday, August 24, Councilmember Henderson and her staff began the 2026 school year by joining eight different DC Public Schools and DC Charter Schools across this District as they “clapped in” students and wished them a great start to a new and successful school year. You can catch a few highlights below:
AppleTree Early Learning Public Charter School – Waterfront Station, Ward 6
Langdon Elementary School, Ward 5
Amidon-Bowen Elementary School, Ward 6
Transit Improvements at RFK Campus
On Tuesday, August 25, staff from Councilmember Henderson’s office attended an open house about transit improvements at the RFK campus. Residents had an opportunity to learn more and share opinions about ways to increase bus and rail service to the area. St. Coletta was the host for the meeting which was organized by WMATA, DDOT and the RFK Project Management Office. Learn more at ourrfk.dc.gov.
Healthy Food Access and the Marion Barry Avenue Market and Cafe
The next day, on Wednesday, August 26, the Committee on Health visited Marion Barry Avenue Market and Cafe in Ward 8. The Market opened last September as a part of Dreaming Out Loud’s direct response to the ongoing presence of food deserts in the community. The market and cafe is a community hub that offers groceries from fresh, local produce and pantry staples to ready-made vegan and non-vegan meals. The space also offers a demonstration kitchen that offers nutrition education and cooking classes.
In the FY2027 Budget, the Committee on Health restored $200,000 in lost federal funding for Dreaming Out Loud to provide grocery delivery to low-income seniors out of the market and cafe.
Navigating Senior Isolation in Ward 7
On Thursday, August 27, Councilmember Henderson joined The Greater Washington Urban League’s Ward 7 Senior Lunchtime Mix and Mingle Series at Marvin Gaye Park. Ward 7 currently has the highest rates of senior isolation and health disparities in the District, with older adults (65+) making up approximately 14% of its population and the series aimed to address this by bringing together more than 75 seniors each week throughout August for fellowship, nutritious meals, health resources, entertainment, and meaningful engagement.
Join Teens Behind the Scenes!
Now's your chance: put your name in the hat to be part of the National Theatre’s Fall 2026 Teens Behind the Scenes at The National programs! Teens Behind the Scenes at The National (TBTS) educates and inspires racially and socio-economically diverse high school students in the DC metro area by providing free access to touring Broadway shows, facilitating post-show discussions, and introducing students to performing arts careers. This program welcomes dedicated students with an interest in theatre to engage with shows in the Broadway at the National season and to participate in a post-show talkback with our dramaturg and special guests.
Submissions for the Fall 2026 program are now open. You can apply, here.
The 17th Annual DC State Fair
Celebrate everything homegrown, handmade, and proudly DC at the 17th Annual DC State Fair. On September 6, Anthem Row (800 K Street NW) will come alive with a free, all-day celebration of the District’s agricultural, culinary, and artistic talents. From 11:00am to 6:00pm, rain or shine, enjoy live music, local vendors, creative demonstrations and plenty of family-friendly fun!
With 50+ contests and 50+ local vendors, the DC State Fair brings the community together to celebrate the creativity and traditions that make the District unique. Cheer on local competitors, discover talented makers, and explore everything from creative crafts to homegrown harvests and local flavors. Bring your family, meet your neighbors, and celebrate the creativity, community, and local spirit that make DC home!
Dine All Night Open Call
Dine All Night is back September 10 to 13, and we want DC restaurants to be part of the celebration. Sign up to showcase your best bites, special menus, happy hour deals, and Sunday brunch offerings as residents and visitors explore the District’s amazing food scene.
From after-work drinks to weekend brunch, this is your chance to bring new customers through the door and spotlight what makes your restaurant a DC favorite.
Register by August, 28, here.
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.
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.
Kingman Island Wants Your Input
The DC Department of Energy and Environment is excited to launch the Kingman and Heritage Islands Trails and Amenities Design Project! The pre-design open commentary period is open through August 31.
Throughout the next two years, we will be working with the community to design a future for Kingman and Heritage Islands that ensures visitors can reach, see, understand, and meaningfully participate in the Islands' natural resources as we continue restoring and strengthening these ecosystems.
You can submit comment and respond to the safety and access survey, here.
UPDATE: Oxon Run Stream Restoration & Park Master Plan
The Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) and the Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) invite the public to attend a public meeting for an update on the Oxon Run Stream Restoration & Park Master Plan project.
Join DOEE & DPR to learn about what's next for the project.
You can register, 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.
The Return of 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.
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.
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