Ward 8 - Health

HEALTH DISPARITIES

AARP DC is working to ensure voters are prepared to vote and informed of where the candidates stand on issues of importance.

Using AARP research and survey data, AARP DC created a questionnaire for all candidates listed on the primary ballot to share their vision for the issues that matter most to older District residents, their families, their caregivers, and their providers. These include transportation, housing, access to nutritious foods and addressing health disparities. Click here to see the candidate's answers on the other topics.

Candidates

Democratic Primary

• Salim Adofo (SA)
• Mike Austin (MA)
• Sheila Bunn (SB)
• Trayon White Sr. (TW)
  

Question:
According to AARP research and survey data, there is a 15-year gap in life expectancy between those living in Ward 3 (86 years old) and Ward 8 (71 years old), and residents 40-plus living east of the river are about four times as likely to face barriers to accessing health care services in their community. What policies would you put forth to reduce disparities among racial and ethnic groups in accessing affordable, high-quality healthcare?

SA - Expand access to mental health and addiction treatment programs, particularly in communities where residents face chronic stress, trauma, and substance abuse challenges. Provide a mix of in-person and virtual services, focusing on integrated care that addresses both physical and mental health needs.

MA - A 15-year life expectancy gap between Ward 3 and Ward 8 is a crisis. Health care should meet people where they are. I’ll expand neighborhood-based clinics, make it easier for doctors to open up practices, invest in community health workers, and push for mobile and telehealth services. I’ll also fight for full Medicaid expansion and better funding for behavioral health.

SB - Increase support for Federally Qualified Health Centers east of the river & push for mobile health units to serve our neighborhoods. Train Ward 8 residents as CHWs for outreach, appointment scheduling, and health education. Implement subsidies or sliding scale fees for affordable care for those slightly above the Medicaid limit. Partner with ride-share companies for accessible transportation to healthcare. Fund community & school-based mental health services and ensure public insurance coverage.

TW - Candidate did not respond