Make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS in DC and Ward 5!

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in our Nations Capitol is always a hot point of contention among our leaders and citizens.  It touches almost every aspect of our lives, whether we realize it or not.  Currently more than 3% of D.C.'s population is living with HIV/AIDS- a prevalence rate higher than West Africa. According to the 2009 HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Report, this rate has increased 22% from 2006, signaling that a dramatic response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in D.C. is necessary. It is important to note that the disease is not limited to a specific sexual orientation or demographic. D.C. residents of differing races, sexes, and levels socio-economic status have all been affected. Men having sex with men is the leading mode of transmission however; heterosexual transmission and injection drug use are not too far behind in numbers.  These sobering facts often leave people helpless and unsure of what they can do to help.  Well here is your chance to have your voice heard and help fight this menace to our society!

  The D.C. HIV Prevention Community Planning Group (HPCPG), along with the Department of Health’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Administration (HAHSTA), is looking for people who are interested in finding a solution to the local HIV epidemic. HPCPG is looking for new members to sit on the committee to help guide the city’s approach to HIV/AIDs detection and prevention.  HPCPG members serve two year terms. The HPCPG is currently recruiting new members from all backgrounds, and welcomes unique and differing perspectives on the issue, as we work together to find a solution. Applications for the group are due on December 2nd; therefore it is best to get your application out sooner rather than later.
  The District of Columbia HPCPG guides HIV prevention in the District, along with the DC Department of HAHSTA. Members of the HPGCP are from local communities and/or HIV/AIDS prevention specialists and reflect the District’s diverse population.  The HPCPG is responsible for deciding which populations are in greatest need of HIV prevention services, as well as deciding what the best ways to meet those needs are. HAHSTA, in turn, is responsible for funding programs and services that match the HPCPG’s decisions.
  How can you become involved?  Easy!  There are two ways to participate in the HPGCP...join the HPCPG or come to meetings! The membership application can be downloaded from http://doh.dc.gov/hiv.  Even if you do not join, you are always welcome at any of our meetings. The HPCPG meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month from 5:30-8:00 PM at Department of Health facilities. Meeting dates and times are posted on our website: www.doh.dc.gov/HPCPG.  If you have the time, or can make the commitment, please take the time to get involved.  Let's make it a priority to help control the HIV/ADS epidemic before it's too late.

Another accident on South Dakota Ave. NE Near Ft. Totten Metro

As the rain trickles down, yet another accident has taken place on South Dakota Ave NE near the intersection of Galloway St. NE.  This new crash is less than 100' from where a devastating accident occurred less than 2 months ago.  This newest fender bender took place between a commercial gardening truck and a compact pick-up, and appears to be far less severe than the July 22nd accident.
  Yet another shining example of why there needs to be stricter traffic enforcement or new traffic control measures put in place on the main thoroughfare.  South Dakota Avenue is currently closed at the Ft. Totten Metro, right next to the new CCDC Backus Campus.

National Night Out

Get out and meet local law enforcement tonight around the city!  ANC 5A is part of the 4th and 5th District.

Turkey Thicket tabbed as Heat Relief Center

As the oppressive heat continues to have it's way with the Mid-Atlantic States, the DC Government continues to keep operate Heat Relief Centers throughout the city.  Turkey Thicket Rec Center in Brookland will remain open tonight until 9 PM to provide relief to local residents and citizens from across the city.
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center
1100 Michigan Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20017
(202) 576-6414

View Larger Map

Another Terrifying Accident on South Dakota Ave

It seems like it is a semi-annual custom on South Dakota Avenue . The screech of brakes followed by the explosion of metal and glass. This time the horrific incident took place at the intersection of Gallatin St. and South Dakota at 9 PM this very evening. The collision, between what appeared to be a full size Land Rover and loaded Ford Passenger van, required the presence of several ambulances, DCFD, MPD and PEPCO to settle the situation. The accident was so violent, the Land Rover had to be winched off the telephone pole it was pinned against to free the driver. No matter who was at fault, it was evident that the passengers of the Land Rover was lucky to be in such a bulky veichle.
The lights and sirens of first responders on S.D. Ave is all too common of a sight in the northeast neighborhood. If you ask any resident they will be able to list off several fatal or violent accidents that have occurred in the past few years. The stretch of SD Ave. in northeast between Riggs Rd and Michigan Ave has become a dangerous gauntlet run by locals and commuters alike. With a rarely observed posted speed limit of 25 mph, large trees lining the roadway and dozens of local side streets emptying onto the road, it is a sure fire recipe for disaster. Drivers are routinely seen traveling at speeds in excess of 50 MPH, and even with 3 different police departments making traffic stops (MPD, Transit Police and US Park Police) the danger continues. The increased police monitoring of speed has done little to remedy the problem, and the "Current Speed Limit" radar signs seem to do little but show new land speed records for the 4 lane road. Perhaps this is the time for DDOT and MPD to consider a new course of action. Whether it be more lights, traffic cameras or speed abatement devices is unclear...but something needs to be done.

**Note - Pictures were deliberately left out as they were deemed inappropriate**

UPDATE 7/23/10:
The Washington Post Article on accident report 6 people were injured in the crash (HERE).
WJLA 7  reports  7 people were injured in crash (HERE).

Olympic Swimmer Teaches Life Saving Lessons at Turkey Thicket

Olympic gold medal swimmer and current men's 50-meter USA record holder, Cullen Jones, was at Turkey Thicket Rec Center today providing a potentially life saving lesson to local youths.  Jones, teamed with the Make A Splash Foundation, are taking a grass-roots approach to decrease the number of drownings in urban areas across the nation.  The program teaches local youths the fundamentals of swimming, as well as provides essential education to parents on the essentials of safe water play.  This all comes less than a month after the drowning of a local youth at Turkey Thicket...a subject all too close to Cullen.  At age 5, while playing in a city pool, Cullen nearly drown himself.  After this shocking moment, his mother enrolled him in a similar program and his love for the water began. 
The event has gotten a lot of media coverage, both locally and nationally, and has showcased one of the cities most modern recreation and swimming centers right in our own backyard.

Washington Hospital Center Nursing Protest

  Along the Michigan Ave. entrance to the Washington Hospital Center, dozens of Nurses and supporters are out braving the elements protesting changes to the nursing contract proposed by the hospital's new management.  Negotiations between Nurses United of the National Capital Area and WHC's new head honchos have been ongoing for weeks, attempting to bridge the gaps dividing the two sides.  The major issue seems to be a proposed change in staffing levels.  The 1,600 nurses employed by WHC are citing that a change to the current staffing levels (proposed by WHC as a cost saving measure) will cause a drop in the quality of care patients will receive, in particular patients with critical needs.  As the current Nursing contract expired yesterday (originally slated to expire April 24 but extended through May 10), the nurses are out in mass taking their message to the street.


Q: What do you do when your nose goes on strike?
A: Picket. 

WASA Warning: Don't Drink the Water...Again

WASA Sent out the below email minutes ago:
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The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) is advising customers in a specific area of Northwest not to use water until further notice because of a higher-than-normal chlorine concentration.
The boundaries of the area in question are indicated below:

West Boundary: MacArthur Boulevard, NW
North Boundary: Western Avenue and Eastern Avenue, NW
East Boundary: Amtrak railroad
South Boundary (east side of Rock Creek): Upshur Street, NW
South Boundary (west side of Rock Creek): Calvert Street to Observatory Circle to W Street

The spike happened early this morning at DC WASA’s unmanned Fort Reno facility when it was offline for routine maintenance disinfection. At 7:30 this morning, operators at the DC WASA Bryant Street Pump Station identified a drop in the reservoir at Fort Reno, which indicated the possibility of a chlorine spike. DC WASA immediately dispatched staff to confirm a higher-than-normal chlorine concentration in the water, which they determined had happened at approximately 5 a.m.
Customers who used water with excess chlorine may have noticed taste and odor problems. While unlikely, the chlorine may also cause a reaction in individuals with sensitive skin. Anyone who observes such a reaction should contact a physician.
DC WASA notified the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region III immediately upon learning of the chlorine spike. Water-quality crews are monitoring the system across the entire affected area and will advise the public when the water supply has returned to normal. Our staff is also assessing the causes of the problem.
Customers with questions can call the DC WASA 24-hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400.
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 It is amazing that when WASA isn't trying to kill us with lead or waste contamination, they are trying to bleach us to death with Chlorine.  WASA claims they will have the problem fixed by the end of the day, but this only serves to be yet another example of our fine Public Works in action.

UPDATE 5:40 PM
WASA has lifted entire water warning.

Providence Hospital: Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em

Ahh smoking...one of the eternal public health hot topics. And while we can debate and argue about whether or not smoking should be outlawed in restaurants and bars, or whether cigarettes should be taxed higher, that is not the point of this blog. Most of society can, however, agree that smoking in places like schools and hospitals is generally taboo or at least frowned upon. However, this seems to be lost on the staff and employees of Providence Hospital—ironically named “Washington’s First Tobacco Free Campus.”
  On any given day, at almost any time, employees can be seen puffing away standing next to the sign proclaiming the hospital a Tobacco Free Campus. The often scrub clad employees can be seen piping away in little cohorts, looking like the Marlboro Man after completing a successful lung surgery. Now technically, the area that employees utilize for smoking is not on the hospital's property (but, we’re literally talking inches away). They usually stand on the publicly owned sidewalk, directly next to the “Smoke Free” sign, and next to the doors of the emergency room and driveway for ambulances. As a “100% Tobacco Free” campus, the ban is supposed to include the facility, grounds, and even parking lots.
  However, the hypocrisy is all too evident, and the message being sent to the public by this display is not a good one. How can a doctor council a patient suffering from emphysema or lung cancer on the dangers of smoking, when immediately after being discharged they can bum a smoke directly outside the emergency room doors from a nurse of orderly. Now this may roam into the realm of personal accountability vs. government intervention...however, that is not the purpose of this article. Neither is the irony of doctors and health care workers who smoke (although, admittedly hard to ignore!).
  As with everything on this blog, the point is to raise awareness. Providence Hospital, as it wishes to be, acts as an ambassador for this community. In 2007, when Providence became the first hospital in Washington DC to sign on as a “100% smoke free campus,” they took pride in the policy and claimed to vehemently defend and enforce. They even began offering smoking cessation programs for their employees. Providence Administrators worried that “the sight of staff, visitors or others outside smoking whether on break or en route to their cars, diminished the hospital's cessation efforts,” and that by the hospital “looking the other way [it] implied tacit approval.” It appears that they must have especially worried about the appearance of staff smoking outside the hospital—and yet, driving by on any given day, it is almost completely staff and not patients heeding the call of cigarettes.  
  Clearly implementation of the policy has not been, and never could have been, an easy task. But, in all honesty, it doesn’t really seem as if they are making any effort. Is the Hospital Administration already tired of trying after just a few years? Well then, take down your huge blue signs proclaiming your virtuous no smoking policy!!! Why allow your staff to day after day stand next to the sign puffing away almost defiantly. It devalues anything your staff tells patients they should be doing to improve their health. Not to mention, the vast piles of cigarette butts that litter the ground surrounding the hospital have yet to be taken care...especially since part of the ban was supposed to save money on grounds maintenance of such butts. I think the community would agree on a whole that this is NOT the proper representation of their neighborhood, and not a good image for a Hospital.

  Above : People actally smoking on Hospital Grounds 

*pictures intentionally pixelated to prevent identification*
**Thanks to Caribou for help with writing and the idea for the story**