Current State

Residents of Ward 7 face persistent health disparities. The Ward has the lowest per-capita access to healthcare in the District, with the Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center – GW Health being the only full-service hospital east of the Anacostia River. Meanwhile, child poverty remains alarmingly high at 47%, and African American men in particular are disproportionately affected by a combination of chronic health conditions, housing instability, and barriers to employment. These factors contribute to poor health outcomes and limited access to preventative care. Mental health and substance abuse are also rising concerns, especially among youth, who often lack access to trauma-informed care, counseling, and early intervention services. The opioid crisis and other forms of substance use continue to escalate, leaving communities without sufficient treatment infrastructure.