(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – August 4, 2026 — The District of Columbia Hospital Association (DCHA) and member hospitals are proud to announce the launch of the DCHA Community Investment Initiative, a transformative effort made possible through a fund created by DC hospitals that will expand access to care, improve health outcomes, and strengthen the health of communities across the District.
The Community Investment Initiative represents a shared commitment by the District’s hospitals to invest beyond hospital walls and address the factors that have the greatest impact on health. Through strategic partnerships and evidence-based programs, the initiative will support innovative solutions that improve patient care, reduce health disparities, and ensure every resident has access to the care and services they need to thrive.
“This initiative demonstrates the power of hospitals coming together around a shared commitment to healthier communities,” said President of MedStar Washington Hospital Center and DCHA Board Chair Dr. Gregory Argyros. “By investing in workforce development, maternal and family health, behavioral health services, and solutions that address longstanding barriers to care, we are strengthening the entire continuum of care.”
DCHA has been selected to administer and manage the initiative, working collaboratively with member hospitals, community organizations, providers, and stakeholders to ensure investments deliver measurable improvements in health outcomes and community well-being.
“Our hospitals have always been more than places where people receive care—they are anchors in our communities and catalysts for healthier futures,” said DCHA President & CEO Jacqueline D. Bowens. “The Community Investment Initiative reflects our collective commitment to addressing the challenges that extend beyond hospital walls.”
Key investment areas include:
- Workforce development programs that build a strong pipeline of health care professionals to meet the growing needs of District hospitals.
- Maternal and child health initiatives to improve outcomes for mothers, infants, and families.
- Programs that strengthen discharge planning, long-term care placement, and transitions of care to ensure patients receive seamless, coordinated support after leaving the hospital.
- Substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services that expand access to lifesaving care.
- Behavioral health initiatives that improve access to mental health services and integrate care across the continuum.
- Community-based strategies that address systemic barriers to care and promote health equity throughout the District.
DCHA’s 501(c)(3) will create a community advisory board to support the initiative’s sustainability, integrity, and long-term impact. Through community-centered programs focused on prevention, coordinated care, and strategic partnerships, District hospitals are helping meet residents’ evolving health needs while advancing high-quality care and a healthier, more equitable future for all.
“As the Chair of the Committee on Health, I am proud to have worked with our District hospitals to identify community funding priorities to improve health outcomes and strengthen our homegrown health care workforce talent,” said Councilmember Christina Henderson.
DCHA, member hospitals, the DC Department of Health Care Finance, community stakeholders and other key partners were instrumental in bringing this vision to reality.
“Washington, DC is committed to building a healthier, stronger, and more equitable city, and this initiative is another example of that commitment in action. These investments will strengthen our health care workforce and strengthen care outcomes. I applaud our hospitals for their leadership and their continued investment in the health and well-being of our communities,” said Director of DC Health Care Finance Wayne Turnage.
The first investments of 2025 totaled more than $3.1 million and were awarded to the following organizations/focus areas:
- Workforce Development: $1.5M (High Need Health Care Career Scholarship Program, CNA Licensure Initiative, DC Apprenticeship Program, DC Health Care Workforce Partnership)
- Maternal & Child Health Outcomes: $480K (Community Health Needs Assessment, Count the Kicks, Severe Maternal Mortality Reviews and Data Assessments)
- Behavioral Health Initiatives: $300K (Behavioral Health Needs Assessment)
- Transitions of Care: $500K (Miriam’s Kitchen, E Street Medical Respite Program)
- Systemic Barriers to Care: $330K (Capital Area Food Bank, Food & Friends, Health Literacy)
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