Content categorized as Health, Physical

Everything can change in a heartbeat

I passed out (from what I later learned was very high blood pressure) at the McPherson Square bus stop. Someone called 911. When I opened… Read more »

A dedication to all cancer survivors

Six years ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. From that point on, I have been going with her to some of her doctor’s… Read more »

The coming storm for D.C.’s citizens with disabilities

“One of the most important decisions on the DC Council’s plate this fall is to pass the Direct Support Professional Payment Rate Act of 2019, initiated by Councilmember Brianne Nadeau.”

How to beat the heat

Working in the heat can be very dangerous. I wear a hat and drink plenty of water. My mission is to find a shady spot… Read more »

With limited access to hospital resources in wards 7 and 8, local clinics are bridging the gap in health care

Painted in bold shades of blue, red, green and pink, Whitman-Walker Health’s Max Robinson Center has stood prominently in the historic Anacostia neighborhood, just a… Read more »

With barriers to finding shelter, pregnant women and mothers turn to small-scale operations for housing, shelter in DC

Pregnant women and mothers face many barriers when seeking housing and shelter. Small-scale operations in the District, like the Northwest Center and House of Ruth, are taking the lead to support women with families who are experiencing homelessness.

How cool indifference magnifies the summer heat

The summer can be an especially difficult time for homeless residents living in the District. Rising temperatures pose some unique challenges for people living without shelter. Here are some things readers can do to help relieve the heat.

Health care professionals urge DC to build a “full-service” hospital east of the Anacostia River

The D.C. Health Justice Coalition hosted a community discussion on July 11 to develop their arguments for equitable health care throughout the District.

Hospice for people experiencing homelessness says farewell to executive director of 21 years

After nearly 30 years of service at Joseph’s House, Patty Wudel, the nonprofit’s outgoing executive director, leaves behind a legacy of community building and compassion.

More than 50 activists rally for housing rights outside the White House

The National Health Care for the Homeless Council hosted a rally outside of the White House Friday calling on officials to consider housing a human right.

This pilot program allows health clinics to prescribe produce to improve health, supported by grocery vouchers

Health clinics in D.C. may now prescribe produce to patients with chronic conditions in order to issue assistance to afford healthy food that will mitigate those conditions.

After years of questionable housing and facing homelessness, this woman will keep surviving

IjahQueen Is Peniel is losing her housing voucher following three years of poor living conditions and struggling to pay rent. She believes a paperwork error led her to fall behind on her rent and not have her lease renewed. Now she must try and find new housing without the subsidy from the state.

The Hobo: Black Fields declares, “Real men wear pink!”

While attending Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure in Washington, D.C., Black Fields learns a shocking fact about breast cancer.

Navigating homeless services is complicated. A new downtown center makes many of them available in one place.

A long-awaited downtown service center for D.C.’s homeless residents officially opened on Feb. 25 at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church at 1313 New York Ave. NW. The grand opening comes after the mayor’s initial plan to open the center on Nov. 1.

Bathroom bill moving forward to full D.C. Council vote

After going through several iterations since early 2017, the Public Restroom Facilities Installation and Promotion Act was advanced through the Committee on Transportation and the Environment.

19 city agencies, Metro and the D.C. Council failed the ‘Domestic Violence Report Card’

There is a lack of services available to victims of domestic violence in Washington, D.C. A coalition of advocates assessed 22 District agencies and the D.C. Council to evaluate how they handle situations of domestic violence internally and externally. 

A recent study found unsheltered homeless people face higher mortality rates than sheltered individuals

This 10-year study in Boston, Massachusetts, analyzed the discrepancies between the mortality rates of the unsheltered homeless population versus the sheltered homeless population.

Product of Progression: Gotta keep moving

Tyrone Chisholm Jr. writes this series to demonstrate the challenges and opportunities
he has found while homeless, employed and enrolled in higher education in our
nation’s capital.

Pilot project will bring high-tech health service to homeless patients

Behavioral health specialist Richard Bebout is piloting a comprehensive high-tech project to provide care services to homeless patients with a complicated physical or mental health history.

Excessive heat is especially dangerous for people experiencing homelessness

The Northeast is experiencing a heat wave. What resources are available to help D.C.’s homeless community cope?