Washington, D.C., - Today, the Council of the District of Columbia gave final approval to a $10.3 billion budget for fiscal year 2010 (FY 10). This includes over $2.5 billion in spending for the Departments of Health, Mental Health, and Health Care Finance. These departments fall under the purview of the Committee on Health, chaired by Councilmember David Catania (At-Large). The Council’s budget will continue a number of successful health initiatives begun under Catania’s leadership.

“This was a difficult budget year due to the state of the economy and the increased demand for District services,” said Catania. “Despite these constraints, and thanks to the work of the Committee, the District will continue to expand and invest in important health services next year.”

The Health Committee’s FY 10 budget includes specific appropriations to:

· Expand access to health insurance programs for District residents;

· Support school-based health and mental health services;

· Support chronic disease programs and services;

· Enhance HIV/AIDS prevention, primary care and support services;

· Enhance mental health services for individuals in the District;

· Improve the quality of substance abuse prevention, treatment and outreach services; and

· Maximize collection of federal revenue.

The Committee marked-up the District’s health budget on April 29, 2009. That mark-up was held after several weeks of oversight and budget hearings. To view the full Committee on Health FY 10 Budget, click here.

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