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
The Department of Behavioral Health Budget: Our Thoughts
By Tina Paden • April 18, 2013 • Health Equity
Testimony
Testimony of Wes Rivers, Health Policy Analyst, At the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Oversight Hearing on the District of Columbia’s Department of Behavioral Health
By Wes Rivers • April 18, 2013 • Health Equity
Testimony
Testimony of Wes Rivers, Policy Analyst, At the FY 14 Budget Oversight Hearing on the District of Columbia’s Department of Health Care Finance
By Tina Paden • April 11, 2013 • Health Equity
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

