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 Announces COVID Vaccine "Office Hours"

Dec 7, 2020, 08:29 AM by MSDC Staff
DC Health releases details for a vaccine training program

The below is a message sent from the DC Department of Health (DC Health) to DC physicians this weekend.

DC Department of Health (DC Health) invites healthcare providers, who will be administering COVID-19 vaccine, to participate in a series of virtual Office Hour sessions, Tuesday, December 8 – Thursday, December 10, 2020. The purpose of these sessions is to provide key information and available resources to support providers in COVID-19 Vaccine planning and implementation at their respective facilities.   
  
You will have an opportunity to ask questions during Q & A sections of each session. However, we encourage you to submit your questions in advance to: covid-19.vaccine@dc.gov, include “Office Hours” in the subject line.   
  
You may register for one or all sessions at: https://octo.quickbase.com/db/bitz4p6y2 and by following the steps below: 

  1. On the registration page, click on the blue banner below the session of choice. 
  2. In the last column on the right, click on the gray tab marked “Add Training Request.” 
  3. On the next page, complete the required fields (*).  In the field marked “Agency/Office” use the drop-down menu to go to the bottom of the list to add your agency's name.
  4. Click on the green button marked “Save & close.” You will automatically be registered. 
  5. Repeat steps 1 - 4 to register for each session.   

All registrants will receive a WebEx meeting confirmation prior to their session. Please share this invitation with your staff or colleagues who will be participating in COVID-19 Vaccination administration and reporting for the District.  Below is a daily agenda for your convenience.  

Daily Agenda 

Day 1 – Tuesday, December 8, 2020 (1:00 pm) 
COVID-19 Vaccine Planning Updates and Provider Enrollment   

Day 2 – Wednesday, December 9, 2020 (12 Noon) 
COVID-19 Vaccine Ordering and Management 

Day 3– Thursday, December 10, 2020 (12 Noon) 
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration and Reporting 

If you need additional information, please contact us at: covid-19.vaccine@dc.gov.  

Thank you for your commitment and partnership with DC Health, as we work collaboratively to implement the COVID-19 Vaccine Plan for the District of Columbia.   
 
Sincerely, 
DC Health COVID-19 Vaccine Planning Team 

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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.