Mayor States Why the District Needs the NCMC
From The Washington Post:
In 2003, when the District presented statistics on the critical need for emergency and primary health care in Wards 5, 6 and 7, members of the D.C. Council unanimously pledged to renovate the city's health care system, and they approved the concept of a National Capital Medical Center (NCMC). At that time Howard University was the only medical institution to join with the District to help resolve the need for emergency, primary and specialty care, and, most important, for health care that is accessible to everyone in the District.
Since 2003 the District and Howard have done studies to define how the NCMC would function. With the help of outside experts, we have developed a model for an integrated care facility.
It is unacceptable that 252,000 people in Washington -- or 42 percent of the city's population -- have inadequate access to health care, especially emergency care.
All the District's trauma centers are clustered in Northwest within a mile of one another, leaving some areas of the city, particularly Southeast, without emergency services. Based on this lack of emergency room capacity, the demand for health care services in general, population growth and standard hospitalization rates, we must increase hospital and emergency room capacity in the District.
The National Capital Medical Center will provide emergency and primary care and will meet the medical and surgical needs of residents in surrounding neighborhoods. While improving the District's overall health care infrastructure, the center also will serve as a hub for community health care initiatives in Southeast.
The National Capital Medical Center will:
- Improve access to emergency and trauma care for residents in the Northeast and Southeast.
- Alleviate pressure on the District's overloaded emergency medical system.
- Address problems with access to specialty care through a medical building, where consultation for serious conditions will be provided.
- Provide a referral point for diagnostic testing that requires major medical equipment.
- Provide preventive care to improve overall health outcomes and diminish health care costs.
The District and Howard University already have worked together on community development in LeDroit Park in a public-private partnership that has become a national model. Howard also is the only university in the area to establish a public charter school for D.C. students -- the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science.
Howard University is a robust financial partner for the District, bringing to the table an A2 rating from Moody's Investor Service. That puts it in an excellent position to attract the financing necessary to cover its 50 percent share of NCMC building costs. Now the power to make the NCMC a reality is in the hands of the D.C. Council.
By acting to approve this partnership between the District and Howard University without costly delays, the council members will serve not only the well-being of the District but the well-being of their constituents.
Anthony A. Williams (Anthony.Williams@dc.gov) and H. Patrick Swygert are respectively, the mayor of the District and the president of Howard University.
Support the NCMC Rally: Call to Action
We must do all that we can to turn out big numbers for the rally, pack the Council Chambers for the 10 am Hearing on NCMC Funding options, and come prepared to spend the rest of the day in the Council Hallways and Offices. We must show Councilmembers that we are serious!
More Information >>
Howard President Briefs Clergy
On Friday, 17 February 2006, H. Patrick Swygert, President of Howard University, hosted a meeting of clergy from across the City to brief them upon and seek their support for the proposed National Capital Medical Center. President Swygert confirmed the University’s full support for moving forward with this endeavor. Furthermore, he provided the ministers with the basis for Howard University accepting the City’s invitation to enter into this partnership to enhance the delivery of healthcare to the residents of the District of Columbia. Read More >>
The National Capital Medical Center In the News
Howard University President Swygert on The National Capital Medical Center
NBC TV-4 “Viewpoint”
Sunday, February 12, 7am
Host Joe Krebbs welcomes Howard University President H. Patrick Swygert to discuss Howard’s partnership with the City to build The National Capital Medical Center.
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Councilmember Vincent Gray on The National Capital Medical Center
WHUT TV-32 "Evening Exchange" with Kojo Nnamdi
Friday, February 10, 8pm
Host Kojo Nnamdi welcomes Councilmember Gray to discuss DC's need for the National Capital Medical Center and the benefits it will bring to the community.
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Dr. Robin Newton on The National Capital Medical Center
WHUR FM-96.3 "The Daily Drum" Insight Segment
Thursday, February 9, 7pm
Host Yakenda McGahee discusses the National Capital Medical Center with Robin Newton, MD Senior Assistant Vice President for Health Services, Howard University Hospital, and Director, Graduate Medical Education, Howard University.
Status Update:
The following Councilmembers have publicly and consistently been supportive of this initiative:
- CM Gray (Ward 7)
- CM Brown (At-Large)
- CM Orange (Ward 5)
The Mayor still has this initiative as his number 1 priority. The Exclusive Rights Agreement between the city and Howard University has been signed. The City Administrator has committed and is scheduled to do a presentation before the LeDroit Park Civic Association on Tuesday, January 24th. Recent presentations include: Fort Davis Civic Association on Saturday, January 21st, ANC Commission 7B, on Thursday, January 19th, the Ward 7 Leadership Council on Saturday, Jan 14th.
A "Citizens for the National Capital Medical Center" has been organized. Residents from Wards 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 have participated. Howard University is working in collaboration with this working group. The "Citizens for the National Capital Medical Center will specifically target Councilmembers Cropp, Mendelson, Patterson, Fenty, and Barry in order to secure 7 solid and favorable votes.
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