Dear Ward 8 Residents,
September is suicide prevention month. Take the time to learn about risk factors, warning signs, and how to support people in your circle who may be suffering. September is a great chance to raise awareness of this often taboo topic in the black community.
Let us use this month to gain a true understanding of how to prevent incidents of suicide and provide our community of friends and family with access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention.
Understanding the warning signs is important, as those suffering may not ask for help.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ([link removed]) has fantastic information on how you can help, including key warning signs someone may show if they are contemplating suicide:
1. Talking about wanting to die or to kill themself.
2. Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
3. Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
4. Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun.
5. Withdrawing from activities.
6. Isolating from family and friends.
7. Sleeping too much or too little.
8. Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.
9. Giving away prized possessions.
10. Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
There is no single cause for suicide. However, depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, particularly when undiagnosed or untreated. Look out for warning signs, especially if you notice new or changed behavior related to a painful event, loss, or trauma.
If you are concerned about someone in your life is experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
* Call or text 988
* Chat at 988lifeline.org ([link removed])
Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.
Respectfully,
Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s National Maternal & Infant Health Summit is a keystone event that connects District residents with local and national resources for women, babies, and families to thrive.
RSVP: [link removed] ([link removed])
Need Utility Assistance?
Consumers who are having a problem with their utility services to act sooner rather than later. Don’t wait to apply for financial assistance. With a new fiscal year beginning October 1, consumers receiving aid will need to reapply. Here’s the link ([link removed]) .
If you are behind on your utility bills, or have a complaint against a utility company, don’t hesitate to contact the Office of the People’s Counsel at (202) 727-3071. We stand ready to advocate, educate, and protect!
ADVISORY: The energy assistance centers located at 2100 Martin Luther King Avenue SE & 1207 Taylor Street NW are accepting limited in-person appointments. Applicants must have an appointment to come to the energy assistance centers. To schedule an in-person appointment, please call 311 (202-737-4404). Walk-ins will not be accepted. Applicants may also apply online at ECOS ([link removed]) or by faxing their completed and signed application to 202-671-0802 if you live in Wards 1-6 or 202-673-6725 if you live in Wards 6,7 & 8.
** Services for Income Eligible Residents
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* Receive Help Paying Your Energy Bills (LIHEAP) ([link removed])
* Receive Discounts on Your Utility Bills (UDP) ([link removed])
* Receive Help Paying Your DC Water Bill (LIHWAP) or Discounts on Your DC Water Bill (CRIAC) ([link removed])
* Receive Assistance Replacing Your Partial Lead Service Line (LPRAP) ([link removed])
* Make Your Home More Energy Efficient with the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) ([link removed])
* Reduce Your Electric Bill with Solar for All (SfA) ([link removed])
* Receive Assistance Reducing Lead Paint in Your Home (EERP) ([link removed])
This is our last week of recess at the Council, and the fall promises to be exciting. On Monday, September 18, the Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public. Safety will hold the first of at least two public hearings on a new public safety measure, the Accountability and Victim Protection Act of 2023. This bill would enhance punishments for violent and dangerous crimes and establish expanded protections for seniors, minors, and victims of sex crimes.
Over the summer, each Ward has held at least one public safety meeting with members of the Metropolitan Police Department, the Office of the Attorney General, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, and community members. The Council is now taking action on crime based on data showing that several crimes, including homicides, are up by at least 30% compared to last year at this time. Instructions on how to testify at the Judiciary and Public Safety Hearing on Monday can be found here ([link removed]) , and the deadline to register to testify is at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023. The Council will hold a Committee of the Whole meeting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 19, followed by a legislative meeting at 12 p.m.
The RLYA Committee is preparing to return to a regular Council schedule after a lengthy summer recess next week. Similarly, students have returned from summer break to the regular school year. While we were all away from our offices and classrooms, The DC Public Library provided summer reading and programs. In fact, DCPL is open online for customers 365 days a year! So, as we return to business as usual let us remember to utilize DCPL for all of its resources including access to digital resources and live and pre-recorded virtual programs on Youtube ([link removed]) .
Help Shape the Future of the DC Public Library!
DC Public Library is gathering input on how it can best serve District residents. Your needs may have changed the last three years and the Library would like to know how they can help meet them. Please consider taking this survey (only about 10 minutes of your time). Your feedback will help shape their strategic framework plan. The survey is available in English and Spanish. Access it here ([link removed]) .
Councilmember White highlights DPR's Radio Broadcasting Student on social media.
September 11, 2023
Deanwood Radio Broadcast student and Ward 8 resident Jordan Williams was promised a college scholarship following his press questions. Jordan Williams, a third-year student in the program, interviewed Magic Johnson at the press conference on his co-ownership of the Washington Commanders and his connection to the Boys and Girls Club.
Magic, impressed by Jordan’s professionalism and skill set pledged to impact his life by giving him a scholarship to college upon graduation.
“I’m gonna impact your life just like somebody impacted my life,” said Magic during the press conference. “So that’s what it is all about.”
The Deanwood Radio Broadcast Youth Journalism Program was established in 2016 by D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation employee Salih Williams, who also serves as its director and instructor.
The goal of the program is to engage and educate young people about the field of journalism, specifically the role that it can play in bringing about change in their respective communities.
Last week, Councilmember Trayon White's Constituent Service team celebrated 80 years of community advocacy by honoring Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.
They engaged in an interactive tour of the exhibit and a working session that included creating a visionary storyboard and letter writing for Ward 8 students returning to school.
** Quick Links
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* Check out the 2020 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])
* Check out the 2021 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])
* Check out the 2022 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])
* Visit our website w ([link removed]) ww.trayonwhite8.com ([link removed])
* CM White's Social Media Facebook ([link removed]) | Instagram ([link removed]) | Twitter ([link removed])
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** Twitter ([link removed])
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Council of the District of Columbia . 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW . Suite 400 . Washington, DC 20004 . USA
