Dear Ward 8 Residents, 

The wait is finally over! On April 15th, Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health (Cedar Hill) will open its doors, fulfilling a long-awaited promise to the community to bring high-quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare to Wards 7 and 8.

This hospital is a symbol of progress, equity, and hope. For far too long, residents East of the River have been left out of the city’s most critical investments, and now, we are changing that story.

Before the grand opening, Cedar Hill is throwing a block party on Saturday, April 12th from 11 AM to 2 PM at 1200 Pecan Street SE. There will be food, music, games, and plenty of fun for the whole family. It is a celebration for us, by us.

When the hospital opens, it's primary services will be:

• Adult Emergency Services
• Behavioral Health Services
• Cardiology
• Kidney Services
• Labor and Delivery
• Laboratory
• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Emergency Service
• Pharmacy
• Radiology
• Rehabilitation
• Special Care Nursery
• Surgery
• Trauma Care
• Women’s Services
• And more

This is what the community has waited for and this is just the beginning. Come out and celebrate what community-powered change really looks like.

See you at the block party. 


The Ward 8 Office

DC Emancipation Day is almost here! Join Mayor Bowser for a day of celebration and history. This year marks the 20thanniversary of Emancipation Day as a District holiday. While we recognize DC Emancipation Day on April 16, we will celebrate on Sunday, April 13 with a parade, concert, and fireworks at Freedom Plaza. Stay tuned for the talent lineup and visit emancipation.dc.gov for updates.  

• When: Sunday, April 13 
  • Parade starts at 2:00 p.m
  • Concert starts at 4:00 p.m. 
  • Fireworks start at 8:30 p.m.  
• Where: Freedom Plaza, 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW 
• RSVP here 

This April, the Bowser Administration and the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs (MORCA) invite you to celebrate Second Chance Month—a nationwide effort to support and uplift returning citizens. Join us for events focused on providing a fair shotvia employment, community support and other opportunities. 
 
Second Chance Month Events: 

Jobs Not Drugs (April 9) – Career resources for youth. Register 
MORCA Author Talks (April 10) – Returning citizen authors share their stories. Register 
Second Chance Clothing Drive (April 18) – Donate professional attire. 
Reentry Roundtables (April 18) – Community discussions on reentry. Register 
Welcome Home Expo (April 23) – Connect with job training and resources. Register

Chairman Phil Mendelson recently held a community meeting to engage residents in an open discussion about property taxes. The event provided an opportunity for residents to voice concerns, ask questions, and learn more about how assessments are determined. Representatives from the Office of Tax and Revenue were also on hand to offer personalized assistance and help residents better understand available resources and exemptions.

Ward 8 residents, friends, family, and community leaders recently gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of longtime ANC Commissioner Kaylene “Kay” Armstead of Commission 8E. A tireless advocate and beloved neighbor, Commissioner Armstead was known for her unwavering dedication to service and her deep commitment to the well-being of her community. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and her presence will be dearly missed.