November 5, 2021
Dear Washingtonians,
This week, parents and grandparents across DC and across the nation let out a sigh of relief when the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children ages 5 to 11. This is a monumental moment in the fight against COVID-19. And getting our children vaccinated is a critical step in getting their lives back to normal.
Like the vaccine for people 12 and older, we know the vaccine for children is extremely effective. It is safe, it has been tested in trials, and it will lower the chances of children getting and spreading COVID-19.
After almost two years of living with this virus, many families are eager to get their children vaccinated. And any family who wants to get their child vaccinated will be able to access a free and safe vaccine in the coming days and weeks. In addition to the clinics and pharmacies that are vaccinating children, we are also hosting walk-up vaccine clinics for children at sites across the city. Families can learn more about which sites have the pediatric vaccine and see the walk-up schedule at vaccinate.dc.gov.
And finally: Thank you to all the healthcare workers who have been working long hours this week — and every week — to keep our children safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
 This week, Mayor Bowser and the Department of Human Services (DHS) launched the District’s fifth annual “Home for the Holidays” campaign, which seeks to transition residents experiencing homelessness into long-term housing during the holiday season. This year, the District’s goal has more than doubled, and DHS will be working with community partners and housing providers to place 1,250 families and individuals into housing during the Home for the Holidays campaign.
The Home for the Holidays campaign supports Homeward DC, Mayor Bowser’s strategic plan for making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. DHS manages the Home for the Holidays campaign, which spans from November 1 through February 28. Housing providers who are interested in partnering with the District are encouraged to reach out to DHS at ahomefortheholidays@dc.gov.
Home for the Holidays first launched in 2017 and more than 1,500 total households have moved into permanent housing as a result of the campaign. Community members can support Home for the Holidays by donating new and gently used houseware to households. Residents who have items to donate should email ahomefortheholidays@dc.gov for more details. Through this campaign, the District is seeking to partner with local housing providers to identify approximately 2,500 new apartment units in the next three months.
Since launching Homeward DC, the Bowser Administration has driven down overall homelessness by 38% and family homelessness by 73%. In that time period, the District increased investments in permanent housing by 60%.
Learn more HERE.
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 As the first week of DC Health Link’s 2022 open enrollment period comes to a close, Mayor Bowser is encouraging DC residents to sign up for high-quality, affordable health insurance at DCHealthLink.com, the District’s online state-based health insurance marketplace established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Open enrollment for individuals and families runs from November 1, 2021 and continues through January 31, 2022.
This open enrollment period, DC residents can see big savings thanks to the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan lowers monthly premiums for residents with individual coverage on DC Health Link, and lowers monthly premiums for the entire 2022 plan year. In the 2022 plan year, residents have 27 different health plan options from CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente. To compare plans and see if you qualify for lower premiums, please visit DCHealthLink.com and use “Plan Match.”
DC Residents should visit DCHealthLink.com to shop, compare, and get covered.
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 Registration for the Department of Parks and Recreation's (DPR) winter programming will open on Monday, November 8 at noon.
Among new offerings for the season, DPR is bringing its Cooperative Play program for children ages 18 months to 4 years old to the Ridge Road Recreation Center in Ward 7. There are also movie and game nights in addition to traditional programs.
Free in-person fitness classes return as well as DPR Fun Days - single day camps when DC Public Schools are closed. Residents will also have an opportunity to register for activities, including dance classes, boxing, basketball, and other youth sports. Aquatic offerings include “Aqua Zumba” and swim classes. Enrichment programming includes Mindful Meditation, musicianship, jewelry making, and senior-centered activities.
For more information and a full list of DPR programs, visit DPRPrograms.com.
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 DC Health launched a new portal that District residents can use to report at-home COVID-19 test results. The portal allows residents to self-report the results of over-the-counter rapid antigen or PCR COVID-19 tests. Individuals reporting PCR test results will be required to upload their lab results. After reporting a positive test result, individuals may be contacted by a representative from the DC Contact Trace Force.
Residents can find the portal at coronavirus.dc.gov/overthecounter
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