Health Equity
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
25th Council session information coming soon.
2024 MSDC Capital Healthcare Honors
The 2024 Capital Healthcare Honors will take place on Wednesday, March 13, from 6:00 to 9:30 PM in Dupont Circle. Save the date for this festive awards gala which brings together government leaders and healthcare executives, physicians from all specialties across the region, healthcare providers, and many others from the community.
We are pleased to announce the first of our 2024 Capital Healthcare Honorees, with additional honorees to be announced next week. Mark your calendar and watch your email for the additional honorees and registration opening. Given our distinguished, high-profile awardees, this event is expected to sell out.
Meet the 2024 John Benjamin Nichols Award Recipients
This year, MSDC will present two John Benjamin Nichols Awards, which is given to people or organizations for outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community. Meet the honorees below.
Honorable Vincent Gray
The Honorable Vincent Gray is a long-time leader in District healthcare. During his distinguished career, Chair Gray introduced major healthcare reforms such as universal pre-Kindergarten and birth-to-three support. He is the first former Mayor, first former Council Chair, and second Councilmember to receive this honor.
Bread for the City and Produce Rx
By partnering on the Produce Rx program, Bread for the City and DC Greens are being recognized for their partnership to expand access to healthy foods in the District, especially “east of the river.” The Produce Rx program is a major DC initiative to prescribe fruits and vegetables to patients, and Bread for the City connects patients, providers, and grocery stores.
2024 Capital Healthcare Honors Details
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
6:00 - 9:30 PM
2121 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20008
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.