Award-winning freelance journalist based in Washington, DC. Words include The Washington Post, The Washington City Paper, The DC Line & Center for Health Journalism.
Has America forgotten the opioid epidemic?
In just the first three months of 2020, 19,416 people across the country died from drug overdoses, surpassing last year’s first-quarter total by almost 3,000, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Can we afford to abandon in light of a new public heath crisis?
As med students push for change, the AMA calls out racism in health
Is it a new day at the American Medical Association?
The influential AMA and more than 600 members of its House of Delegates have officially recognized racism as a public health threat and race as a social construct instead of a biological one.
But some activist medical students say the statement is late and empty.
An Eye on Diversity
Diversity, equity and inclusion matters in pure science. Are your schools, labs, and workplaces reflecting that?
Recruiting Black volunteers for COVID-19 vaccine trials means overcoming mistrust
The ugly history of clandestine experiments and abuse of Black patients casts a long shadow.
COVID-19 Creates Added Difficulties for Nursing Facility Residents and Their Loved Ones
Her father was rushed from the nursing home to the ER with suspected COVID 19 symptoms. His breathing was at 50 percent. He had days to live. Problem number one: no one told her he was sick. And then it really gets bad.
Nursing Homes Prepare and Protect Residents During Coronavirus Pandemic
Seniors living in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers are at a higher risk for infection from the coronavirus due to age and possibly having compromised immune systems.
DC candidates learn how to campaign in the coronavirus era
How do candidates in DC running for office engage voters while social distancing?
Vital signs: Checking in on DC’s maternal health care crisis
FEATURE STORY. The spotlight on maternal health in America — and in the District — has grown in intensity over the last few years. There has been increased scrutiny about the care available to expectant mothers, especially in black communities where health care can be deficient. So what is being done to lower maternal mortality rates and increase the availability of supportive services? And how are socioeconomic issues that women like Nandi face being addressed?
Three Men Who Have Lost Loved Ones Have Ideas About Making D.C. Safer
All three men spent time in prison and subsequently completed D.C.’s Pathways Program.
Six days into 2020, D.C. is facing four homicides. In 2019 the city saw its highest homicide count in a decade.
City Paper sat down with three men who are familiar with violence and funerals and asked them to give the data some context.
Lives Lost 2019
We talked to the families of homicide victims in DC for 2019 to see what they were like while they were still with us. What were there hobbies? What were they like with their children? What were their passions? And then we listened...
Merger of two familiar DC names aims to bring seamless care to special-needs children
Two DC health care systems have joined forces to provide expanded care for children and young adults with complex medical needs. In September, HSC Health Care System became an official subsidiary of Children’s National Hospital upon receiving regulatory approval to integrate services.
Anacostia High School Students Reflect On Gun Violence and Rally for Change
Anacostia High School student gathered to remember their classmate Thomas Johnson who was shot a couple of weeks ago. In the midst of their mourning, they question when they will ever feel safe in their own neighborhoods.
Housing Program for Chronic Disease Patients Keeps HIV in Check. But Not Rent.
A housing program in DC provides shelter, health care, and job training to residents with chronic diseases such as HIV. But when the residents are stable again, how will they sustain independent housing?
This article is part of the City Paper's 2019 contribution to the DC Homeless Crisis Reporting Project in collaboration with other local D.C. newsrooms.
Unity Health Care, Sibley Hospital partner on new cancer care clinic
A new collaboration between Unity Health Care and Sibley Memorial Hospital is bringing much-needed cancer care closer to residents in wards 7 and 8 — a response to calls from community members, health educators, and advocates for more specialty services east of the river.
The Collapse of the DC Cancer Consortium Left Gaps in D.C.'s Cancer Care Network
Cover story. For many years the DC Cancer Consortium was the city’s leader in cancer education, prevention, and treatment. But as ideals clashed and funding evaporated the once robust network dissipated leaving cancer patients stranded.