May 13, 2022
Dear Washingtonians,
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I am encouraging all DC residents to prioritize your mental health. Whether you live with a mental health disorder, have a substance use disorder, or are feeling the effects of daily stressors, it is important to take care of yourself by getting connected to services. Today, as we highlighted the importance of mental health care, we heard from Garrett about how accessing the care and treatment he needed changed his life:
We know that the pandemic upended our lives in many ways. There has been a tremendous amount of loss. People lost loved ones. Others lost jobs and opportunity. People lost connections to friends, classmates, services, and support networks. In some cases, the pandemic has exacerbated circumstances for people already living with mental health disorders. We also know that, especially right now, many people are living with the stress and trauma of violence in their neighborhoods or lives.
So, now more than ever, we want to open up the conversation around mental health, and we want to reduce the stigma that prevents many people from accessing care.
We've made significant investments in making mental health clinicians available at all public schools. If you are a parent or family member who believes your child or teen needs mental health care, please ask your child's school about the services we have available.
If you are feeling anxious, depressed, of just not yourself, we have a FREE 24/7 Mental Health Hotline in DC that you can call. The number is 1-888-793-4357. You can call at any time to have a confidential conversation with a trained mental health specialist.
Remember, just as it is normal and necessary to go to the doctor for a physical or to go to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned, it is normal and necessary to take care of your mental health. Please join me in sharing this message with people in your life so that we can support each other in living healthy, happy lives.
Sincerely,
 Share this information with friends, family, and neighbors.
 Mayor Bowser and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) are reminding residents that summer is around the corner and the District is currently hiring over 700 seasonal positions.
Job opportunities at DPR include:
- Work at a pool – DPR will train you for FREE to be a lifeguard or work as a pool operator or pool-based Customer Service Representative.
- Become an Urban Park Ranger – Assist in opening and closing of park sites, respond to public inquiries on park resources and DPR permits, and help execute DPR events.
- Work at a school – Work at a DPR Boost Camp, offering kids ages 3-13 enriching recreation opportunities on-site at District schools, with kids who attend that school.
- Engage youth in the District – Work with kids through DPR’s Roving Leaders program or the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program.
- DPR Environmental Division – Lead and support nature-themed outdoor programming and events including wellness walks, geocaching, hiking, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, and camping.
- Work in operations – Help move and set up DPR equipment and play activations or work as a driver transporting kids, staff, and cargo around DC and beyond.
- Work in food service – Assist in DPR’s summer meals programs as a food safety inspector or monitor.
- Become a Summer Camp Counselor – Work at one of dozens of traditional and specialty camps that take place in every corner of the District.
Details about job opportunities and job listing numbers can be found at dpr.dc.gov/summerjobs.
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 The DC Fire and EMS Department is celebrating 150 years as a full service fire and emergency medical services department in the District of Columbia.
Now, it's time to celebrate with the community! DC's Bravest invite you to join us on Saturday, May 14, 2022.
- 11:00 a.m.: Parade at Constitution Avenue NW between 7th and 14th Streets NW
- 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Apparatus Muster (display of antique and current fire apparatus) at Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 12th and 14th Streets NW
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 This week, Mayor Bowser and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) announced that the District is seeking DC residents for referral to work at the upcoming SOMETHING IN THE WATER festival, taking place June 17-19. In April, Pharrell Williams and Mayor Bowser announced that the three-day festival will be held in the District on Independence Avenue, SW.
Residents interested in applying should visit does.dc.gov/page/something-water-2022-festival. For more information about the festival, visit somethinginthewater.com.
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 It’s enrollment season for our public schools. You can help your child’s school thoughtfully plan for the upcoming school year by completing your enrollment paperwork now.
DCPS families can fill out their 2022-2023 School Year enrollment forms at enrolldcps.dc.gov or by visiting their child’s school in person.
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