On May 19th, 2017, Dr. Dietz’s testimony was delivered to the Council of the District of Columbia on two bills to improve access to food, retail, and medical care -- including building a new hospital -- in D.C.'s “East End" (Wards 7 and 8), which suffers significant rates of health disparities compared to other areas of the city. Excerpt below, full testimony here:
"I’d like to speak today about both the “East End Health Care Desert, Retail Desert, and Food Desert Elimination Act” and the “Health Care Revolving Fund Act.” Both pieces of legislation could establish a much-needed system of health in the East End that could reduce the substantial health disparities and increased rates of chronic disease experienced by residents in Wards 7 and 8 compared to other parts of the city. By itself, a new hospital at St. Elizabeth’s will improve the access and treatment of chronic diseases. Improved access and treatment, while valuable goals, will not reduce the rates of the chronic diseases prevalent East of the river unless they are part of a broader approach. Nonetheless, a new hospital could serve as the core of a “health hub,” providing access to health care, healthy food and support for physical activity, and drive wellness and prevention programming throughout the East End community."