Health care is a human right but racial disparities persist in both health care access and health outcomes in the District. Black residents shouldered the uneven health burdens of the pandemic, making up the vast majority of virus-related deaths, while grief, financial instability, and social isolation have brought on a national mental health crisis. DC must continue to be a leader in expanding health care access and reducing disparities by adequately funding core health programs and removing unnecessary barriers to care.
Featured Publications & Resources
Report
No Way to Run a Health Care Program: DC’s Access Barriers for Immigrants Contribute to Poor Outcomes and Higher Costs
By Ed Lazere • March 17, 2019 • Health Equity
Testimony
Testimony of Ed Lazere At the Public Oversight Hearing on the Department of Health
By Ed Lazere • February 8, 2019 • Health Equity
Report
Health Care: Remove Barriers To Health Coverage for Immigrants, Improve Mental Health Services, and Support Families with Young Children
By DC Fiscal Policy Institute • January 31, 2019 • Health Equity / Revenue & Budget
Latest on this Issue
Testimony
The Council Needs to Improve Nutrition for Residents Incarcerated in the DOC
By Connor Zielinski • June 12, 2025 • Health Equity
Testimony
The DC Council Should Fund ‘Give SNAP a Raise’
By Connor Zielinski • June 10, 2025 • Health Equity
Testimony
DC Residents Deserve Affordable and Thorough Health Care Coverage
By Tazra Mitchell • June 5, 2025 • Health Equity
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