Howard University students engaging with the community to support local families in need.
Washington D.C., August 21, 2025
Howard University students are raising serious concerns about the implications of a new hospital being built on St. Elizabeth’s East Campus. Set to enhance healthcare access for Wards 7 and 8, this facility may divert patients from Howard University’s own hospital, potentially impacting medical training opportunities for students. The absence of an agreement allowing Howard’s medical students to train at the new hospital raises further alarms about the future of healthcare education and diversity in the medical workforce. Community engagement efforts are in motion as students advocate for their educational needs.
Washington D.C. – Howard University students are voicing significant concerns regarding the potential impact of a new hospital planned for the St. Elizabeth’s East Campus on local healthcare resources and educational opportunities. The facility, which aims to enhance healthcare access for residents in Wards 7 and 8, is set to open in the fall of 2024 under the management of George Washington University Hospital (GWUH).
Recent community engagement efforts by Howard University students, including an annual back-to-school backpack giveaway, highlight the pressing need for resources in the underserved Ward 8 area. During this year’s event at Anacostia Park, students gathered to distribute classroom supplies and clothing, and provided a barbecue to families, demonstrating their commitment to local needs.
The East End Health Equity Act of 2018 is expected to expedite the construction of the new hospital, raising further concerns among Howard University officials. Current estimates indicate that approximately 35% of the patients treated at Howard University Hospital are from Wards 7 and 8. The new facility’s proximity could potentially divert patients away from Howard, which students worry may lead to a decrease in medical training opportunities and lower the number of African-American physicians entering the workforce.
Students are particularly worried about the lack of an agreement that would allow Howard medical students and staff to train at the new hospital. This absence of a defined academic affiliation could hinder training programs, making it difficult for Howard to maintain its current standards of educating future medical professionals. A decline in patient volume could also influence the number of students accepted into the medical program. Such a situation could limit the diversity of physicians and healthcare professionals trained in the area.
In response to their concerns, students are planning protests outside the Wilson Building, where the D.C. Council will soon hold a vote regarding the amendment that would allow Howard University to enter into an academic affiliation agreement with the new hospital. Mayor Muriel Bowser is actively collaborating with Howard’s leadership to address these concerns and find ways to improve patient care access.
The D.C. Council is considering legislative measures needed to solidify these training opportunities at the new hospital. The efforts come amidst a broader initiative to tackle healthcare disparities in the District, which have been brought to light during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city is investing over $700 million in new health centers, including enhancements to Howard University Hospital and the construction of a new teaching hospital in Ward 1 set to open in 2026.
The anticipated hospital will include a Level I trauma center and is expected to receive a $225 million tax abatement to support its construction. The initiative is part of broader efforts to address significant health inequalities in D.C., where the life expectancy gap is stark. Residents in Ward 8 live, on average, 15.6 years less than those in wealthier areas like Ward 3. The new hospitals are designed to combat these systemic disparities and enhance healthcare access for African-American communities.
As the D.C. Council approaches a decision on the future of the new hospital, Howard University students remain vigilant in their advocacy efforts to ensure that educational and healthcare opportunities for local residents, particularly those of African descent, are prioritized.
The new hospital aims to provide healthcare access to residents of Wards 7 and 8, addressing long-standing health disparities.
The hospital is slated to open in the fall of 2024.
Students are worried about a potential decrease in patient volume at Howard University Hospital, which could negatively impact medical training opportunities and the number of African-American physicians being trained.
Currently, there is no agreement in place for Howard University students or staff to train at the new facility, which raises concerns about future educational opportunities.
Mayor Bowser is working with Howard’s leadership to find solutions, while protests and legislative actions are being organized to advocate for an academic affiliation agreement with the new hospital.
A total of over $700 million is being invested in new health centers and enhancements to existing facilities, such as Howard University Hospital.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hospital Name | St. Elizabeth’s East Hospital |
| Opening Date | Fall 2024 |
| Management | George Washington University Hospital |
| Investment Amount | $700 million in new health resources |
| Current Patient Volume from Wards 7 and 8 | 35% at Howard University Hospital |
| Expected Impact on Medical Training | Concerns over reduced intake of medical students due to potential loss of patients |
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