Health Equity
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
25th Council session information coming soon.
What DC Needs to Know About Monkeypox
This past weekend, DC Health announced that a suspected case of monkeypox had been discovered in the District. Virginia had already identified a confirmed case and there have been 25 cases (as of June 6) already reported in the U.S. This short post will help patients and providers know what they need to know about the illness.
For patients - what to know about monkeypox
- What is monkeypox?
- What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
- What should you do if you suspect you have monkeypox? (spoiler alert: call your doctor immediately)
- Is this another version of COVID?
For DC physicians - what to know about monkeypox
- Science behind monkeypox including a free CME opportunity
- DC Health physician advisory on monkeypox (May 26)
- Controlling monkeypox infections spread at healthcare facilities
Please notify DC Health about suspected monkeypox cases by phone immediately at AND submit a Notifiable Disease and Condition Case Report Form online using DCRC: dchealth.dc.gov/infectiousdisease. DC Health will provide assistance and work with the DC PHL to coordinate collection of lesion samples and testing and consult with CDC as needed.
Additional resources for clinicians
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.