This May, the Ward 8 Health Council convened for its monthly meeting, bringing together healthcare providers, community leaders, and local policymakers. As one of the most dynamic and transparent conversations to date, the meeting focused on community health priorities, new hospital services, and the broader policy landscape—including Mayor Bowser’s FY 2026 budget proposal.

Cedar Hill Hospital: Expanding Services While Recruiting Critical Staff

Cedar Hill Hospital continues to grow as a cornerstone of healthcare in Southeast D.C. While it is not a Level 1 trauma center, it now handles about 80% of trauma cases with 142 beds and departments covering inpatient care, behavioral health, and women’s services. New outpatient services—including Dialysis, Primary Care, and OB/GYN—are set to launch this summer.

Yet, as services expand, staffing remains a critical challenge. The hospital is actively recruiting for nurses, doctors, and a desperately needed Family Medicine provider. This gap means too many Ward 8 families still rely on emergency rooms for basic care, driving up costs and compromising health outcomes.

Mental Health, Prevention, and Social Determinants

The hospital’s 16-bed Behavioral Health unit manages 8 to 12 cases daily, underscoring the growing need for mental health services. Stakeholders also emphasized the need for investments beyond hospital walls—especially in prevention and education, given that 80% of health outcomes are shaped by social and political factors.

Community-Based Solutions: Sibley Hospital and Community of Hope

Ward 8’s health ecosystem is not limited to Cedar Hill. Organizations like Sibley Hospital and Community of Hope continue their on-the-ground work to address health disparities through education, prevention, and care coordination.

Policy Watch: Medicaid, Opioids, and Workforce Equity

On the policy front, both federal and local dynamics are in flux. Mayor Bowser cautioned that the District could face a $2.1 billion budget gap if Congress rolls back Medicaid funding. Locally, opioid-related deaths have dropped 34%, and a new residential treatment center is expected to open this summer.

Meanwhile, the DC Council’s Committee on Health is investigating the working conditions of long-term care providers—many of whom are Black and Brown women—while streamlining the licensing process for nurses and advancing community health worker initiatives.

Mayor Bowser’s FY 2026 Budget: What’s in It for Families?

Released on May 27, Mayor’ Bowser’s FY 2026 budget is built on the “Grow DC” framework and includes several major investments directly affecting children and families:

• Education: More Pre-K seats will be added through the PKeep initiative.
• Child Care: Subsidies are funded through FY 2026, though additional local revenue will be needed to sustain them beyond that point.
• Affordable Housing: A $100 million increase to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund underscores the administration’s commitment to equity and stability.
• Economic Development: $2.7 billion is allocated to redevelop RFK Stadium and potentially bring the Washington Commanders back to DC.
• Capital Projects: $2.6 billion in capital investments for FY26 focuses heavily on schools, transit (WMATA), and transportation infrastructure (DDOT).

While there is room for improvement, these investments reflect a broader vision where healthcare, education, housing, and mobility are deeply interconnected.

Your Voice Matters: How Parents Can Submit Budget Testimony

Budget season is your opportunity to advocate for the needs of your family and your community. Here’s how parents can get involved:

1. Visit the DC Council Website: Go to the DC Council’s Calendar to view the budget hearing schedule.
2. Sign Up to Testify: Look for opportunities to testify before the Committee on Health, Education, or Human Services.
3. Submit Written Testimony: Can’t make a hearing? Email your written testimony to the appropriate committee. Personal stories and concrete examples of community needs are powerful.
4. Use Your Networks: Share your testimony or budget concerns with local organizations, PTAs/PTOs, and neighborhood groups to amplify your message.
   

As the District navigates tough financial waters, sustained advocacy from parents, providers, and community members will be key to ensuring the health, safety, and stability of DC families are augmented and protected.

Let’s keep showing up—and speaking out.

To get involved with the Health Equity Project, email us at advocacy@aje-dc.org.