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CM Christina Henderson

@cmchenderson.bsky.social

Official account of At-Large DC Councilmember Christina Henderson @chenderson.bsky.social Fighting to ensure DC works for all residents, in every ward.

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CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · yesterday

This year the DC Commission on the Arts and the Humanities celebrates 40 years of the Art Bank! As a huge fan of the Art Bank I’m happy to celebrate its longevity! Congratulations to this year’s finalists recognized at last night’s opening reception!

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · yesterday

Happy to have joined @waba.org last night for their member social at the Wonderland Ballroom in Columbia Heights. There’s never a bad time to talk about better biking.

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 2d ago

25 years later the collective memory of September 11 and the days after has not faded. The 2,977 individuals that lost their lives and years later the number of those affected is much, much higher.

Dear Neighbors,
There are not many moments in American life these days where the nation has a collective memory. Twenty-five years ago, on September 11, I was in second period at my high school when I learned the news that a plane hit one of the World Trade Center towers. When Coach Whitt turned on the television in class, we assumed it had been a terrible accident. And then collectively we watched the second plane hit. There we stood in my 10th grade US
History class watching history unfold.
Later that week, my high school's football game went on as planned. I was on Colorguard in the marching band that year and it just so happens that our field show that season was themed "Salute to America." We had performed this show many times at this point through band camp and other games, but I remember the butterflies as we approached halftime for that game following September 11. There was a greater sense of patriotism that enveloped the country at that time and our rendition of "America the Beautiful" hit differently that night. It felt more like a hymn - a prayer.

2,977 individuals lost their lives that day. Many years later, the number affected is much, much higher. The common refrain has always been "Never Forget" and it is remarkable that many years later, the collective memory of that day and the days after has not faded.
I do wish the greater sense of community and care for all humanity would have sustained more deeply for the nation. "America the Beautiful" was originally a poem titled
"Pikes Peak" written by Katharine Lee Bates in 1895. A biographer of Bates explained that the poem was written at a time of the Gilded Age marked by economic anxiety and high polarization. The original poem had this zinger:
"America! America! / God shed his grace on thee / Till selfish gain no longer strain / The banner of the free!" Over time, Bates revised the poem to the copyrighted version we now know. It became a song in 1910. We often do not hear beyond the first stanza, but today I want to offer as we commemorate the anniversary of 9/11 the words of the often-unsung third and fourth stanzas:

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 2w ago

🚨 The newest issue of The Henderson Brief is live and it’s filled with updates on a new executive order and what it means for childhood vaccines. Read my full newsletter at the link below. ⬇️ christinahendersondc.com/newsletters/th…

Dear Neighbors,
Recent decisions at the federal level could impact District residents' health, and I'd like to share some updates to ensure that you are not only aware but properly equipped.
On August 10, an executive order was issued to reshape the federal government's approach to childhood vaccines. Specifically, it calls for the separation of combination vaccines such as the one given for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)- a seismically different approach which is currently not possible. It also recommends only vaccinating children against 11 diseases rather than the previously recommended 17. This all comes after the United States has recorded more than 2,770 confirmed measles cases this year alone, with cases being recorded in DC, Maryland, and Virigina. Unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status represent almost all reported measles cases.

The good news is that DC will not immediately be impacted by the new executive order. Last September, I introduced the Community Health Amendment Act of 2025, which became law this spring. The bill authorizes healthcare providers in the District to order and administer vaccines recommended by a competent medical or public health organization as designated by DC Health, as opposed to simply federal immunization recommendations. If you recall to last year, federal actions then created uncertainty and confusion about the future of evidence-based federal immunization recommendations. We decided to pivot to ensure DC residents would continue to have access to the full suite of immunizations and I'm glad we acted when we did. In 2025, DC Health considered the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Vaccinations are essential for herd immunity, and with students back in the classroom it's never too late to know when and where to get vaccinated. Residents can visit DC
Health's website vaccines.dc.gov to access immunization records, a children's vaccination guide, a school immunization guide, and a list of clinics offering pediatric and adult services. A reminder, vaccinations are important for adults, as well. Respiratory season is around the corner, and no one likes being sick. Schedule an appointment today at your local clinic for you and your little one.

Ensuring student wellness also includes asking ourselves, how much technology should they interact with during the school day? Join DCPS for a virtual Parent University session focused on technology in our classrooms. Hear how digital tools are being used and learn what safeguards are being put in place to protect our students, along with the steps the District is taking to promote a balanced approach to screen time. This virtual event takes place Tuesday, September 1, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. You can register, here.
The Council's summer recess is almost over, and my team and I are busy
and excitedly preparing for upcoming hearings and roundtables. Stay tuned for more information.
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 2w ago

Happy to have joined the Greater Washington Urban League for their Ward 7 Senior Lunchtime Mix and Mingle Series aimed at overcoming senior isolation. They’ve brought together over 75 seniors each week throughout August for fellowship. Let’s stay connected and healthy!

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 3w ago

Council recess is almost over and the Committee on Health will resume holding hearings this September. You can sign up to testify at the link below. lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings/

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 4w ago

Summer is winding down and it’s time to get ready for the upcoming school year. The latest issue of the Henderson Brief is full of community resources for students and families. Read my opening letter below. ⬇️

Dear Neighbors,
As we squeeze in a few more days of play while summer winds down, l'd like to share some information to help you and our students prepare for the upcoming school year.
The start of the 2026-2027 school year for most DC Public Schools and public charter school students is Monday, August 24. You can find the DCPS school year calendar, here.
Charter school students return to the classroom at various dates -with some already in session- and you can find more information about when your public charter school opens for the 2026-2027 school year, here.

Mayor Bowser's 2026 Back to School Checklist is a great resource that guides families through some of the most important back-to-school tasks. The checklist includes information on enrollment, health records and immunizations, student transportation services, attendance, and more.
If you're looking for more physical resources, several government agencies along with community organizations are holding back-to-school drives to help fill the gaps for students and parents. Many offer free backpacks, supplies, haircuts, food, and access to health resources. You can also find a list below along with family-friendly activities for the rest of the summer.

Even if you do not have school-aged children, you can help start the school year off right for our community, too. Small things like taking note of and adhering to the school-zone speed limits in your area help tremendously.
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · last mo.

Marion Barry’s Summer Youth Employment Program is a rewarding opportunity for District youths. This summer @OREDC_ brought on interns for the 4th yr in a row.

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Standing since 1835, the National Theatre is a treasure trove of not only theatre but DC history. Thank you to CEO Beryl Jolly and Director of Education & Community Programs Jared Strange for welcoming into the theatre’s archives.

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Happy to join DMV Does Good tomorrow downtown at Franklin Park from 11:00am to 1:00pm for their Diaper & Wipes Campaign donation event. 1/2

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Today joined Miriam’s Kitchen for a tour of their facility and to learn about the work they currently provide in the space —including their innovative patient navigation program.

DC Department of General Services @dcdgs.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Join DGS for our virtual Ward-by-Ward Educational Roadshow! Learn more about how DGS builds, maintains, & sustains District-owned & leased properties across all 8 wards. 📅Tuesdays ⏰6 PM - 7 PM 📍Virtual 🔗Register here: https://s.dc.gov/DGSEducationalRoadshow or scan the QR code to RSVP!

Flyer for DGS External Affairs Ward-by-Ward Educational Roadshow with virtual meeting dates and an RSVP QR code to register.

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 2mo ago

“I am deeply concerned about MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s decision to close one of its two postpartum maternity units later this month, which will result in an overall reduction of available beds.” Read my full statement below.

Washington, DC - The following is a statement from Councilmember Henderson on the closure of MedStar Washington Hospital Center's
Postpartum Maternity Unit:
"I am deeply concerned about MedStar Washington Hospital Center's decision to close one of its two postpartum maternity units later this month, which will result in an overall reduction of available beds.
Although hospital leadership has cited a lower patient census as the reasoning, Washington Hospital Center is still delivering more than a third of babies born in the District. The timing is especially unfortunate given that summer is a peak time for births. Furthermore, given its comprehensive antepartum care and its Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Washington Hospital Center is a vital lifeline for patients and providers managing high-risk pregnancies and preterm births across the region. I worry what a reduction in maternity beds will mean for women who need this level of critical care before and immediately after their child is born. Will they be prematurely discharged due to space constraints? Will they be forced to travel to hospitals further away? I fear that this decision will result in more patients being turned away or having no choice but to deliver in emergency rooms, which carries a higher risk of complications.

"At a Maternal Health Roundtable that the Council hosted earlier this month and through other meetings, the Committee on Health has heard of continued high demand for labor and delivery services at Washington Hospital Center. The hospital has recently had to board patients in their labor and delivery unit because there were no postpartum beds available, and it has already been on diversion for labor and delivery 17 times thus far in 2026, according to data provided by the DC Department of Health. These situations have cascading effects across the District. I have personally experienced the impact of diversion and laboring in a triage room at a District hospital because there were no labor and delivery beds available; these diversions only add further stress and discomfort to the birth experience.
CHRISTINA HENDERSON

"The Committee on Health's requests for information about this decision have been met with light responses from Washington Hospital Center regarding low demand for services, even when data from other sources indicates continued high demand. Our request to tour the postpartum units has been rebuffed until after one unit is closed on July 26. MedStar Washington Hospital Center has done great work through its Safe Babies Safe Moms program to improve maternal health outcomes in the District, and it would be a shame to lose momentum on that progress due to a decision driven by so-called financial pressures, rather than what is best for patients."

Christina Henderson @chenderson.bsky.social · 2mo ago

If you have not been outside yet, the air quality is as bad as predicted in DC. There is a haze and it does smell like smoke. Please limit your time outdoors today. Many camps have already announced that children will be indoors today.

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 2mo ago

There’s mischief afoot in the District and it’s time we curbed it. My latest newsletter is all about rats. Read my opening letter to get insight on my introduced bill, the Rodent Education and Management Yields Results (“REMY”) Amendment Act of 2026 and DC’s Rat Academy.

Dear Neighbors,
Did you know that a group of rats is called a
"mischief"? They are certainly earning that name in the District these days. Whether you've noticed new holes in your trash containers, burrows in a sidewalk tree box, or actually seen one or several rodents run across your path, it's likely that you've noticed that the District's rodent population is reaching new levels. And you're not wrong —the District has one of the fastest rodent population growths of any major urban area in the country.
Besides the beautiful monuments and unmatched culture, why do rats love DC so much? Hard to know. But we do know a main reason why we've had difficulty containing the problem -easy access to food. Open or overflowing trash cans, discarded takeout containers, and other unsecured food waste makes for an all-you-can-eat buffet for rodents. While several District agencies, including DC Health, Department of Public Works, and Department of Buildings, all play a role in rodent management, residents, businesses and property owners can also significantly reduce rodent populations by properly disposing of food waste.

Because rodent problems are persisting, residents are more frequently turning to
rodenticides purchased online or at hardware stores that, when applied improperly, are not effective at reducing rodent populations. These rodenticides do, however, pose significant health risks to residents, particularly children, as well as to pets and endangered wildlife. As I've previously noted, one local hospital reported 12 cases of pediatric hospitalization tied to rodenticide exposure in the past year. Pets and wildlife are also susceptible to ingesting and being poisoned by rodenticides, particularly owls, hawks, and other birds of prey. City Wildlife has reported that roughly 85% of its intake over the past year have tested positive for rodenticides.
My team and I are taking the rat problem seriously and have taken several steps to address the problem. In the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, we dedicated $200,000 for rodent-proof trash receptacles in public spaces and Department of Parks and Recreation properties in high traffic areas. We also secured a subtitle in the Budget Support Act (and accompanying funding!) that will ensure the upcoming capital modernization projects for DC Public Schools and the Department of Parks and Recreation will include upgraded rodent-proof trash receptacles. This is a down payment on the permanent bill I introduced in March the Public Trash and Recycling Container Budgeting Act of 2026.

I was also pleased to introduce the Rodent Education and Management Yields Results ("REMY") Amendment Act of 2026, named after everyone's favorite protagonist from the Disney Pixar movie "Ratatouille". This legislation proposes to both strategically decrease food sources for rodents, while protecting residents from the health risks associated with untrained application of rodenticides. Specifically, this bill proposes to:
• Decrease food sources for rodents by establishing a commercial corridor rodent-proof dumpster pilot program to support Business Improvement Districts and Main Streets in addressing areas with high rodent populations;
• Protect children, pets, and wildlife from rodenticide poisoning by requiring training and certification for the sale and usage of anticoagulant rodenticides in the District; and
• Increase public awareness for effective prevention and abatement strategies by requiring DC Health to conduct public education as part of its rodent abatement efforts.

On Monday, July 13, the Committee on Health and the Committee on Public Works and Operations held a joint public hearing on the REMY Act and the Rodent Abatement and Transparency (RAT) Amendment Act of 2025, authored by Councilmember Janeese
Lewis-George. Over the five-hour hearing, we heard from passionate public witnesses and government witnesses about the challenges for controlling the rodent population, the public health risks of rodenticides, and evidence-based strategies to better manage
rodents. Also, this week, my staff are attending the Rodent and Vector Control Academy, hosted by DC Health, to hear from rodentologists, public health experts, and ANC
Commissioners about the newest strategies and interventions to control rats.
As the Council begins its summer recess, my team and I will be reviewing the hearing testimony, Rodent Academy presentations, and other research, so we can be ready to move a bill forward in the fall that takes meaningful steps to reduce rodent populations in the District. Trust me, we've already learned A LOT.
In the meantime, if you are wondering what you can do to help, please consider:

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 2mo ago

As the Chair of the Committee on Health I am thrilled that we have been able to support the growth of the city’s investment in Food and Friends, including contributing $1.5M over 3 yrs for their newly unveiled expansion and reno. I am excited to celebrate this next chapter for Food and Friends.

Christina Henderson @chenderson.bsky.social · 2mo ago

🐀Happening now: Committee on Public Works & Operations and Committee on Health joint hearing on B26-492 the RAT Amendment Act and B26-707 the REMY Amendment Watch here: dc.granicus.com/player/camer...

Osprey Encoder 3 Room 123

Live and Recorded Public meetings of Osprey Encoder 3 Room 123 for District of Columbia

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CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Happy to have started the day meeting with Interim Chancellor of DCPS, Dr. Kim Jackson. The Interim Chancellor was previously named DCPS’ principal of the year in 2015 and has served in positions throughout the education sector supporting literary initiatives and implementing new curriculum.

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Passionate testimony delivered by Tambra Stevenson from WANDA during today’s Maternal Health Roundtable on nutrition and how it plays a roll in maternal health. 1/2

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 2mo ago

NOW: Committee on Health holds an Additional Meeting to consider bills B26-0047, B26-0181, B26-0427, B26-0444, and B26-0547. WATCH IT HERE: www.youtube.com/results?sear...

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CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 2mo ago

See the upcoming schedule for the Committee on Health below. You can sign up to testify at lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Residents and visitors as we celebrate America’s birthday be safe as you travel throughout the District, stay hydrated, and enjoy the 4th.

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Tomorrow the nation will be celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Read the intro letter to my newest installation of the Henderson Brief where I talk about all things related to this holiday weekend. ⬇️ Have a safe 4th everyone! 🇺🇸 Full newsletter ➡️ www.christinahendersondc.com/newsletters/...

Dear Neighbors,
One of my favorite things about being an American is the rich texture and diversity of our culture. From music and entertainment to internationally renowned cuisine to our quirky traditions, while every region of the country has its own flair - together, America, we set the standard. It's one of the reasons I was excited for America's 250th anniversary when the planning began in 2016 when Congress created the nonpartisan United States Semiquincentennial Commission. What an amazing opportunity to celebrate and display all that America has become and has to offer. After all, while our history is complicated, it is also one of resilience.

Unfortunately, that didn't quite pan out. I tried to tune out the partisan nature that this event has become and bask in the joy of one of our quirky American traditions - state fairs - but by now, you may have seen my video of how that all turned out.
I've gotten some angry messages from people who were upset that I didn't approach America 250 with blind devotion and celebration. It is hard to do that when America's "secret sauce" - our diversity - is not being amplified for this 250th celebration but rather washed over. Saying out loud that our government missed the mark is patriotic. Demanding the whole story be told is patriotic. Loving a country even when it falls short, and working towards it doing better is patriotic. James Baldwin said it best: "I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually."

Even with everything going on with regard to the America 250 celebrations, I know that DC residents are not the type to let this completely ruin our traditions in celebrating the 4th of July.
You may need to make some modifications to your plans, but I hope you do join with family, friends, and neighbors. If you're still looking for things to do this weekend you can find events throughout
the District below. Metro has announced it will run fare free systemwide on Independence Day from 5:00pm to 2:00am, with increased rail service starting at 5:00pm.
Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule with several routes experiencing detours for parades and other events around the region. You can view a full list of affected lines, here.

If you plan to watch this year's fireworks display on the National Mall or the banks near Anacostia Park (new this year) you may want to pace yourself through the day's activities. The show will start later than normal and last longer, with a scheduled start time of 11:00pm and a
45-minute run time. As a reminder, firecrackers or fireworks that explode are illegal in the District. Legal fireworks can be purchased from licensed vendors within DC limits and include items such as sparklers, box fire, cones, dip sticks, colored lights, and paper caps. Catch up on fireworks safety tips by reading the FIRE and EMS Department 2026 FAQs, here.
Temperatures have been high this week and are expected to sit around 100 degrees this holiday weekend. Staying hydrated and cool is extremely important. Have a safe 4th, everyone!
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Yesterday, along with @cmzparker5.bsky.social, I visited Saint Elizabeths Hospital, DC’s only public psychiatric facility. During our tour of the campus we discussed key issues including hospital security, food and nutrition, medication management, staffing, and much‑needed facility improvements.

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 3mo ago

This morning I toured the Ronald McDonald House of Washington DC located in Brookland. Their space offers a playground, showers, a full expansive kitchen, and more amenities for families of children receiving oncology treatment in the District.

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Had the chance to chat with Michael Schaffer for @citycastdc.bsky.social's podcast on the recent election and the progressive surge in the District. You can listen here: dc.citycast.fm/podcasts/unp...

Unpacking DC’s Progressive Surge Election with DC Councilmember Christina Henderson · City Cast DC

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

dc.citycast.fm

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 3mo ago

To every dad who leads with love and strength, today we celebrate you. Happy Father’s Day! 👨🏽👨🏾👨🏼👨🏻👨🏿

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 3mo ago

LOVE is LOVE! 🏳️‍🌈🌈 HAPPY PRIDE!!!❤️💙💜💛💚🧡🩵

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Today marks Juneteenth, a national holiday celebrating the day - June 19, 1865 - that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Galveston Bay, Texas learned of their freedom from Union troops more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

CM Christina Henderson @cmchenderson.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Yesterday, I joined GW’s School of Public Health’s class on Reproductive Healthy Policy and spoke with students on issues such as the maternal mortality rate, pregnancy and birthing rights, and the role public policy plays among them. Thanks to Jeryl D. Hayes for facilitating the discussion!