Health Equity
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
25th Council session information coming soon.
Big Picture Thinkers Needed for New Public Health Task Force
Do you spend your spare minutes concerned about the next set of public health issues? Do you worry DC will not be ready for the next pandemic, epidemic, or ignored health crisis? Do you want to speak with key health leaders and help craft a plan to prepare DC medicine for what's coming next? MSDC has a new opportunity for you.
At its September meeting, the MSDC Board of Directors created a new Public Health Task Force. Over the next nine months, this group will think through and share the major public health issues that will shape society in the coming years.
We are seeking a few physician volunteers who can dedicate about 2-3 hours a month on this important effort. More information is below.
What is the PHTF?
The Public Health Task Force (PHTF) was created by the MSDC Board of Directors to look into the future and identify healthcare trends and issues that the Society can begin to address now. Its work includes:
- Interviewing key DC health policy leaders and health influentials.
- Overseeing any public health grants or projects MSDC receives in 2023-2024.
- Analyzing and recommending action based on what it hears in interactions with officials.
What is the time commitment?
The task force will meet no more than once a month, if that, and its work will conclude by June 2024. The first meeting would be in November or December 2023. Task Force members may also participate in interviews and conversations with stakeholders if their schedule permits. Meetings will be done via Microsoft Teams. Projects and tasks will be monitored using project management software like Asana.
Who is on the task force?
The task force will be composed of 7-10 MSDC voting members, with an emphasis on those in primary care, as well as a representative from the District government and non-MSDC member policy experts. MSDC Treasurer Dr. Tu is the Chair.
How do I learn more or agree to join the task force?
Email Robert Hay at hay@msdc.org. We are aiming to have this task force operational by the MSDC annual meeting on October 27.
Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked
What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.
MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools
Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.
What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).
MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.
Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.
What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.
MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.
Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.
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