Health Equity
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
25th Council session information coming soon.
Rising COVID-19 Infections Spark Fears of New PPE Shortage
The dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases across the United States has sparked concerns of a new PPE shortage similar to what the nation's healthcare system faced in March.
Nationally the U.S. is seeing a spike in positive tests. Now many hospital systems in hot-spots are seeing rising hospitalization rates which, even with lower death rates, is taxing health care professionals' ability to protect themselves from infection. Last week, the American Medical Association (AMA) sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence and FEMA advocating for a national PPE distribution system and buying program. This would create a more concerted effort to get much-needed PPE to virus hot-spots without having states and localities compete against each other.
The National Nurses Union this week also released the results of a member survey showing shortages of PPE for many members. “We’re five months into this and there are still shortages of gowns, hair covers, shoe covers, masks, N95 masks,” said Deborah Burger, president of National Nurses United. “They’re being doled out, and we’re still being told to reuse them.”
Locally, Tuesday saw the second-highest combined number of COVID-19 cases in almost a month. The District reported 54 new cases and no new fatalities. Overall the DMV had seen a slow decline in new cases and deaths, but concerns about Virginia entering "phase three" re-opening prior to other jurisdictions puts a spotlight on any jumps in cases.
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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.