Dear Neighbors,

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Last week the Council had its first vote on the FY22 budget, which will strengthen neighborhoods like those in Ward 7, improve access to quality health services, increase job opportunities, expand education resources and fund additional portions of my landmark legislation, the Birth-to-Three for All DC Act.  Thanks to my colleagues and Council Chairman Mendelson for working with me and voting on a transformative budget!

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Here are some budget highlights for Ward 7 and District residents:

To better meet the health care needs of Ward 7 and District residents, the Council approved $365,870,000 for health care facilities in Wards 7 and 8!

• Ward 7 urgent care center opens 2022;
• Ward 8 urgent care center opens 2021; and
• Ambulatory care center and new hospital at St. Elizabeth to open by the end of 2024.

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We eliminated the requirement for face-to-face interviews in FY22 for DC Health Care Alliance enrollees. The Department of Health Care Finance agreed to conduct a study to examine the cost of permanently eliminating face-to-face recertification requirements. We’ll keep pushing to make this permanent!

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Whitman-Walker at St. Elizabeths East Groundbreaking Ceremony

For decades, Whitman-Walker has been a premier healthcare organization here in the District, especially for the LGBTQ community.

I am delighted to have worked with Whitman-Walker leadership to bring it’s legendary healthcare services to the East End of the city, where it is needed the most.

This expansion will allow Whitman-Walker to provide greater access to quality care including primary and behavioral health care, dental, legal and child care services along with programs for substance abuse treatment, community space and a full-service pharmacy to Wards 7 & 8 residents.

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