Health Equity

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Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

 

DC Health, MSDC Seeking Vaccine Speakers

Oct 16, 2023, 11:37 AM by MSDC Staff
Help your local community by sharing your medical knowledge at meetings.

 

MSDC and DC Health are seeking physician volunteers to help DC residents feel comfortable with receiving routine vaccinations like RSV and COVID-19.

In 2021, MSDC partnered with DC Health to create a physician speakers' bureau. These volunteers spoke at community events, ANC meetings, and school gatherings to explain that COVID vaccines were safe and everyone able should be vaccinated. This program helped connect physicians with close to 20 community events.

DC Health is modifying the program to connect health professionals with community events to share the benefits of RSV, flu, COVID, and other vaccines. Community groups contact DC Health asking for a physician speaker, and DC Health would contact MSDC seeking a physician with a background and experience that matches well with the group.

Details:

  1. Events may be in-person or virtual, depending on the setting.
  2. Most events will provide 4 or more weeks of notice to allow time to fit into your schedule.
  3. Requests will come from MSDC and MSDC will help with details, including working with DC Health.
  4. There is no obligation to speak if opportunities do not fit your schedule.
  5. There is no monetary compensation, but volunteers will be recognized at the Capital Healthcare Honors plus you will have the joy of helping people know vaccines are safe and important.

To volunteer, please contact hay@msdc.org to learn more or share your name.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked 

 

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

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.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

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.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

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.