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Neighbors,
The announcement of the closing of acute care services at Providence Hospital has left many Ward 5 residents and hospital employees with feelings of uncertainty and disappointment. Access to quality healthcare is critical for the residents of Ward 5 and the District of Columbia. The consequences of this closure will push healthcare services further away from the eastern section of our city, leaving residents with limited access to acute care services. I unequivocally oppose the closing and will stand with residents and hospital workers every step of the way.
I do not believe the District of Columbia, our patients, or the health care of the nation's capital can afford to have a prominent hospital like Providence close. I worked with my colleague Councilmember Vincent Gray (Chair of the Council Committee on Health) to schedule a Council oversight hearing on the Department of Health's role in the approval of the proposed closing of acute care services at Providence hospital. The hearing will take place on October 10 at the John A. Wilson Building. I ask residents and impacted community members to sign up to testify and let their voices be heard. To sign up to testify, contact the Committee on Health via phone or email: (202) 654-6179 or Mcameron@dccouncil.us.
Equitable access to health care is a real issue in Washington, D.C. and the closing of Providence Hospital acute care services is a step in the wrong direction. I will be at the hearing on the 10th, I hope to see you there too.
In Service,
Kenyan
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