WASHINGTON, DC ACTIVITIES

Activities in Washington, DC

Addressing Chronic Diseases and Health Disparities

Dr. Dietz is co-chair of the DC Department of Health Diabesity Committee, convening stakeholders to address the dual epidemics of obesity and diabetes. The Center is also championing Health Impact Assessment legislation to ensure that health considerations are part of the decision-making process for all major projects in the District.

Sugar: Changing Social Norms, Reducing Consumption

The Center is actively working to reduce sugary drink consumption through education, community engagement, and policy changes. Excess consumption of added sugars, especially from sugary drinks, poses a grave threat to the health of children, adolescents and adults in the District of Columbia, disproportionately affecting low-income and minority communities. Learn more about how an excise tax on sugary drinks would decrease consumption, reduce the health impacts caused by excess sugar consumption, and provide an important source of revenue to promote equity and reduce health disparities in the District in our new white paper.

Physical Activity: Targeting Youth and Schools

Dr. Dietz is a Commissioner on the DC Healthy Youth & Schools Commission and chairs its Subcommittee on Physical Activity. The Center worked to pass the Healthy Students Amendments Act in 2018, which will increase physical activity across District schools. Strategic priorities include increasing physical activity in out-of-school programs and improving data collection.

Supporting Community Resilience

The Center has convened diverse partners in Wards 7 and 8 to address childhood adversity through practice change in pediatric settings, policy changes to address community violence, and enhanced trauma-informed supports for families.