Health Equity
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
25th Council session information coming soon.
MSDC Board and DC Health Director Meet
On December 4, new DC Health Director Dr. Ayanna Bennett shared her vision for DC Health with the MSDC Board of Directors.
The December Board meeting continued a tradition of MSDC regularly meeting with the DC Health Director to discuss important issues and areas of collaboration. This meeting took place mere months after the Director was named by Mayor Bowser to the vacancy. Although the Director attended the MSDC annual meeting, this was an opportunity for an in-depth conversation between the leaders.
Dr. Bennett outlined her priorities, especially in the areas of health equity and social determinants. In addition, she answered questions on B25-545, partnership on physician wellness, and private practice sustainability.
The Board meeting agenda also included:
- Hearing updates from the Public Health and Gender Equity Task Forces
- Passing a new policy prohibiting the recording of committee and Board meetings.
- Electing Dr. Kirsty Nevin as the new Secretary
The next Board meeting is February 26 at MSDC headquarters. Members in good standing may request to attend by emailing Robert Hay.
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.