Health Equity
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
25th Council session information coming soon.
Call for Advocacy Volunteers: Join Our New Task Forces!
Are you passionate about healthcare policy and governance? Do you want to make a meaningful impact in the DC medical community? The MSDC Board is excited to announce the formation of two new task forces, and we are seeking dedicated volunteers to join us in this important work.
Task Force 1: Federal Policy Task Force
The first task force will focus on analyzing actions taken by the President and Congress that affect healthcare and the District government. This group will be responsible for:
- Monitoring and evaluating relevant legislation and executive actions.
- Assessing the potential impact of these actions on our organization and the communities we serve.
- Developing strategic recommendations for how MSDC should respond to these developments, and make recommendations to the MSDC Board.
We are looking for individuals with a strong understanding of healthcare policy, legislative processes, or advocacy. Your insights will help us navigate the complex landscape of federal actions and ensure that our organization remains proactive and responsive.
Task Force 2: Policy Review Task Force
The second task force will undertake a comprehensive review of our Board-approved policies. This group will be tasked with:
- Evaluating existing policies to determine their effectiveness and relevance.
- Identifying policies that may need to be updated or changed in light of new information or changing circumstances.
- Proposing new policies that align with our mission and enhance our operations.
We invite volunteers with experience in nonprofit governance, policy analysis, or organizational development to lend their expertise. Your contributions will be vital in ensuring that our policies reflect best practices and support our mission effectively.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in joining either of these task forces, please reach out to us at hay@msdc.org. In your message, let us know which task force you would like to join and a brief overview of your relevant experience or interest.
Volunteering for these task forces is a fantastic opportunity to engage with critical issues in healthcare and contribute to the strategic direction of our nonprofit. Together, we can make a difference!
Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve. We look forward to hearing from you!
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.