September 11, 2020
Dear Washingtonians,
Today, we join Americans nationwide in honoring the nearly 3,000 people who were taken from us during the attacks of September 11, 2001. We remember the brave first responders who ran into burning buildings and the selfless civilians who sacrificed their own lives to save Americans on the ground. We especially remember and pray for the six members of our DCPS family who we lost that day: students Asia Cottom, Bernard Brown, and Rodney Dickens, and teachers Sarah Clark, Hilda Taylor, and James Debeuneure.
When I joined first responders and community members at Engine 16 earlier today, I was reminded, during another very difficult moment in our nation’s history, of the courage and compassion that allows us to keep moving forward when tragedy strikes. We find ourselves tapping into that same source of courage and compassion that we needed 19 years ago; this time, as our nation approaches 200,000 lives lost to a virus that has torn apart families, upended communities, destroyed livelihoods, and already caused so much grief and trauma.
This year, we have been reminded, just as we were in the aftermath of 9/11, that some crises are just too big for any one person to get through alone. So, on this day of remembrance and service, I want to thank everyone in our community who has taken time this year to check on a friend, loved one, or neighbor. Thank you to every Washingtonian who has done their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. Together, we will get through this.
Sincerely,
 On Tuesday, September 15, Mayor Bowser will kick off the third annual National Maternal & Infant Health Summit – Rethinking Our Perspectives, Retooling Our Actions: A Life Course Approach to Improving Maternal and Infant Wellbeing. The four-day summit will bring together health professionals, activists, parents, and public officials.
Mayor Bowser will open the summit with a panel discussion on What We’ve Learned from COVID-19: The Pandemic’s Impact on Perinatal Health and Our Next Steps. The Mayor will be joined by:
- Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
- U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (IL-02)
- Dr. Aletha Maybank, Chief Health Equity Officer, American Medical Association
- Moderator: Errin Haines, Editor-at-Large, The 19th
Learn more about the summit and the breakout sessions at dcmaternalhealth.com
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 Residents who are struggling to pay their mortgage or rent are reminded that there are rental assistance and eviction prevention programs in place to support District residents impacted by COVID-19.
The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program is a $6.2 million program for low-income renters that can provide up to three months of rent arrears since April 2020. Eligible applicants may be able to apply for an additional three months for a total of six months of rental assistance. The Bowser Administration has directed approximately $2 million each to three local nonprofit organizations to administer the relief: Housing Counseling Services, Greater Washington Urban League and United Planning Organization. These nonprofits can assist renters with applying for relief.
Renters and homeowners can find more information about relief programs at coronavirus.dc.gov/rent.
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 Art All Night, the District’s annual overnight arts festival, will return this year as a two-week virtual activation beginning Sunday, September 13. This year, Art All Night will feature visual and performing arts exhibits, workshops, and performances.
Follow @adcartallnight on Twitter to stay in the loop about this year's virtual events and how you can support local artists and creatives.
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 The flu vaccine is currently available and residents are encouraged to get their vaccination by the end of October. The CDC recommends flu vaccinations for everyone 6 months of age and older.
Flu vaccines are offered in many doctors' offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies, and college health centers.
To find a flu vaccine near you, visit vaccinefinder.org
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