Press Releases

DC Health Responses to Councilmember Henderson's September Letter in advance of the September 21, 2021 COW Public Roundtable.

The Office of At-Large DC Councilmember Christina Henderson is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Legislative Assistant to support with the implementation of the policy and legislative strategy for the member.

We applauded your decision to rollout a vaccine or test mandate earlier this month, but we must now ask that you go further. Ensuring all the adults around students and children, especially those who are ineligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, are fully vaccinated against the virus adds another layer of protection for these young people. As we head into the start of the school year, many parents have expressed anxiety at the uncertainty of what lies ahead for in-person learning. Strong vaccination and masking protocols, in tandem with other safety measures for our public schools and child care facilities, will provide us the best chance to keep children safe and keep our schools open this year.

"We must do all we can to protect District government employees and the residents we serve, especially children who are not eligible for the vaccine right now. This action will save lives,” said Councilmember Christina Henderson. “I greatly appreciate our labor leaders coming to the table to arrive at this joint conclusion. We are supporting the health of our workers, while ensuring a safe community for all District residents.”

“We have an obligation as policymakers to ensure an intentional, equitable recovery because our neighborhoods are only as strong as our most vulnerable residents. This budget makes significant investments in opportunities for all communities across the District of Columbia – particularly those hardest hit by the pandemic. Opportunity is exactly what is needed if we wish to build back better after the last 16 months of an incredibly devastating public health emergency,” said Councilmember Christina Henderson. “When we invest in our most vulnerable residents with investments in housing, education and workforce, maternal health, safe infrastructure, increased paid leave, and the support for pay parity in our childcare industry, we support the needs of thriving communities and a strong workforce.”