CM Christina Henderson

@cmchenderson

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· Jul 20

“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."

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jul 17

REMY aims to cut off rodents’ food supply and decrease their growth in the District. 🐀

• Waste management: Don't leave food or food waste outside your home in containers that rats can access (clamshell containers, soft plastic bags, etc.), and try to limit having food waste in your trash collection containers for more than a day before your scheduled trash collection. Example:
An ANC Commissioner at Rodent Academy shared that a neighbor thought she was feeding the birds in her front yard, but cameras showed she was actually feeding rats.
• Compost: Composting is an excellent way to keep your food scraps out of your trash receptables, and a rat's belly. The District now offers a variety of ways for residents to compost, including drop-off sites throughout the District and a curbside composting pilot. Learn more on DPW's Zero Waste website.
• Report rodent activity to 311: DC Health and other agencies will respond to 311 complaints of rodent activity, and DPW will remove dead rodents within 24 hours of receiving a complaint.
Depending on the situation, they may notify property owners about improper waste management, clean up an alley, or use
rodenticides to treat burrows. DC Health has a new Rodent Control Dashboard where you can see hotspots for rodent activity based on 311 complaints.

In other news, the DC Council has officially entered summer recess until September 15. During recess, there will be no new legislation introduced, no hearings on legislation or oversight, and most offices have adjusted in-person hours. My team, specifically, will be in person at the John A. Wilson building Monday through Wednesday, but available online throughout the week. Feel free to contact us as usual if you need assistance or would like to schedule a meeting. Also, please bring your kids and join us at the National Building Museum for their new PLAYGROUND exhibit from 2:00 to 4:30pm on Friday, July 31. See you there!
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jul 17

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· Jul 14

I know will ensure more District residents receive the nourishment they need to live to their full potential. If you’d like to aid in their mission, Food and Friends is always looking for volunteers. You can sign up to receive more information at food and friends.org/volunteer/volunteer-with-us/

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jul 14

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.

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jul 8

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· Jul 8

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CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jul 8

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· Jul 7

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· Jul 4

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· Jul 3

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· Jun 25

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· Jun 21

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

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jun 20

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

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jun 19

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· Jun 18

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!

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jun 16

It’s Election Day DC! All Voter Centers are now open! You can find locations here: dcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant...

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jun 15

Located at 1516 Okie Street NE. Adoption hours are Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 to 7:00pm and Saturday to Sunday from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jun 15

Now until June 21 you can adopt a 6 month or older fur baby at no cost at any @BrandywineSPCA location! Their new Ivy Center location is a 6,000+ square foot space that features free-roaming cat rooms, a rooftop play yard, and 16 cat condos and 68 dog kennels.

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jun 10

"If we really want to change lives, we have to change systems." Thank you to the Global Food Institute at GWU and the Partnership for a Healthier America for allowing me to provide closing remarks at the Good Food for All Summit. Catch a clip of my remarks below. ⬇️

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jun 9

But the Council’s role is to not simply accept difficult choices as inevitable, but to evaluate them and ask where restoration is necessary to preserve the things that make DC a place where people want to build their lives, raise families, start businesses, & remain invested in their communities.

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jun 9

Slower revenue growth, economic uncertainty, and instability at the federal level had a significant impact on the formulation of this budget, and I appreciate the seriousness of the Mayor’s task of developing the proposed FY27 budget.

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jun 8

If you still have questions staff will be on hand at Early Vote Centers. Happy Voting!

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jun 8

Early voting is now underway in DC, and that means it’s time to rank your ballot! Today, I joined @growdemocracydc.bsky.social , League of Women Voters , @rankthedistrict.bsky.social , and Fair Vote to celebrate the implementation of RCV.

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jun 5

You can catch me at 12:30pm on the Politics Hour with @nnamdikid.bsky.social and Tom Sherwood! Listen here: wamu.org/show/the-pol...

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jun 3

When we think about how people, women specifically, can progress economically and move forward we have to think about it from the perspective of busy people. Thank you to the Engage State of the Majority Summit for the invitation to share how we can aid women in moving the needle economically.

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jun 1

In the spirit of the Stonewall riots and the 2026 Capital Pride DC theme “Exist. Resist. Have the Audacity!”, grounded in the undeniable truth that the existence of our LGBTQIA+ family is not up for debate and that their protection through advocacy and policy is necessary. 🌈🏳️‍🌈💜

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· Jun 1

Healthcare can be complicated and for many residents and lawmakers aspects such as confusing acronyms and definitions can impede understanding. Thanks to Sibley-John Hopkins Medicine for the opportunity to bring clarity to the healthcare space during its annual René Carter Community Conversation.

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· May 28

As budget season continues I want to ensure that I’m connecting with DC residents, including the youth. Today, I met with 8th graders from Richard Wright Public Charter School. During our time together we discussed curfews, summer jobs, and what it’s like to be a Councilmember.

CM Christina Henderson@cmchenderson· May 22

“We cannot cut healthcare for residents so that the CFO can sit on a hundred vacancies. We cannot cut food access programs because of a mythical cash flow problem that no one can provide any analysis for.”