September 9, 2022
Dear Washingtonians,
Earlier this year, in an attempt to make a point about federal immigration policy, the governors of Texas and Arizona began busing migrants from the southern border to Washington, DC. This is an incredibly sad situation in which vulnerable humans, many who are fleeing terrible circumstances and looking for a better life, are being used as political pawns. We believe that approximately 9,400 people have been bused to DC from Texas and Arizona since April. The vast majority of people move on to final destinations outside of DC.?
To better respond to this ongoing humanitarian crisis, yesterday, I announced that we are establishing an Office of Migrant Services. Through the office, the District will be able to set up a framework to:
- Meet all buses and facilitate onward travel;
- Triage the needs of people arriving in Washington, DC and attend to their basic needs; and
- Set up a system, distinct from the homeless services system, that is tailored to the needs of migrants.
With this plan, we are staying true to our DC values and building a system that will support a compassionate, consistent, and well-coordinated response.
This framework also acknowledges that the District?s homeless services system is not set up to support the unique needs of migrants.?With a new Office of Migrant Services, we can ensure our homeless services system continues to function in support of DC residents and?we can provide humane assistance to migrants.?
This is a new challenge for DC, but I feel confident that if we lead with our values and if we put the right systems in place ? which we are doing with this new office ? then we will lead a response that makes our community proud.
 On Monday, September 12, join Mayor Bowser, Serve DC, and 9/11 Day for a National Day of Service in observance of September 11. Help us uplift DC values by volunteering to assist with packing than 185,000 meals for local families.
- When: Monday, September 12
- Two shifts are available:
- Morning: 7:00 a.m.? 12:00 p.m. (includes breakfast)?????????
- Afternoon: 11:00 a.m. ? 4:00 p.m. (includes lunch)
- Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mt. Vernon Place NW)
Learn more and register HERE.?
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 RSVP to join Mayor Bowser and?the Mayor's Office on Women?s Policy and Initiatives?at this year's National Maternal & Infant Health Summit on Thursday, September 15. The summit will feature panel discussions, community spaces, breakout sessions, and a virtual resource expo dedicated to connecting attendees with local and national resources and supports.
The day will begin with a networking breakfast and include a fireside chat luncheon. Free onsite childcare and pumping stations will be available
Learn more and RSVP at?maternalhealthdc.com.
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 On Tuesday, September 13, join Mayor Bowser for the 37th Annual Mayor?s Arts Awards: ?A Night of DC Stars.? The red carpet will begin at 6:00 p.m. and host Britt Waters will begin the awards ceremony at 7:00 p.m.
The Mayor?s Arts Awards are the most prestigious honor conferred by the city to individual artists, arts educators, nonprofit organizations, the creative community, and patrons of the arts.?This year?s celebration will be full of dynamic performances, local celebrities, your favorite creatives, and arts professionals representing all eight wards.?
For more information and to RSVP for this free event, visit DCMayorsArtsAwards.com
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 DC Health is encouraging DC residents to receive their annual flu shot and?the new bivalent COVID-19 booster ? also known as the Omicron booster ? at the same time.?
- The annual flu shot is recommended for anyone six months and older.
- The Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent booster is recommended for individuals 12 years of age or older if it has been at least two months since they have completed their primary vaccination series or at least two months since they received a booster dose.
- The Moderna bivalent booster is recommended for individuals 18 years of age and older if it has been at least two months since they have completed their primary vaccination series or at least two months since they received a booster dose. ?
The flu shot and the bivalent booster are now available for free at COVID Centers in all eight wards.??
Find the COVID Center schedule HERE.?
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