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City Cast DC

Violence intervention programs are just one of the strategies the D.C. government deploys in its fight against crime, placing the focus on prevention rather than enforcement. So, 

As part of these programs, violence interrupters provide an alternative to police departments in communities most at risk for violence. A trained interrupter works directly with residents to resolve person-to-person disputes before they lead to further altercation or shootings.

Interrupters can also intervene after an incident to help prevent retaliation and further conflict.

According to crime data from the Metropolitan Police Department, there were 274 homicides in D.C. in 2023 — a 

, and a 20-year high. While gun violence happens across the city, the impact is felt disproportionately in lower-income areas like 

MPD typically gets involved after a crime has taken place, and 

enforcement tactics have faced mounting scrutiny

. Violence intervention programs are designed to be a community-driven liaison to combat gun violence in neighborhoods that need it most, before conflict escalates.

It’s hard to know! The D.C. Police Union recently asked that D.C.’s 

violence interruption programs be shut down

 credited Baltimore’s falling crime rate, in part at least, to its similar crime intervention program.

While law enforcement statistics like crime rates and police arrests are historically easier to quantify, crime prevention requires years of difficult work, community trust, and long-term data analysis. There is no single cause of crime, and no singular strategy to combat it.

It’s also worth noting that there are two separate crime intervention programs in D.C. 

 is under the Office of the Attorney General and uses the standard model for street outreach. Then, there’s the 

, which is under the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and has discretion to use its own models. Two programs operating independently from each other adds to the difficulty of measuring success.

Given the complexity of these programs, the city is constantly reevaluating how they work and how to improve them. The City Cast DC podcast sat down with 

🎧 How The City Is Assessing Its Violence Interrupters

How DC Violence Interrupters Focus on Prevention Instead of Enforcement

What's being decided in DC City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and DC City Council.

DC Election and City Hall News

Local Civics

Allergy season can make us feel like we have no control. Out of the blue, you’re suddenly sneezing, and wheezing, and your eyes are so itchy that you feel helpless to Mother Nature’s whims. While you can’t control the seasons, you 

control and reduce allergens in your home.

 are the antigens that trigger your body’s immune responses to fight off the perceived threats. Allergens often come in the form of pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. They can enter your home through open windows and on the clothes you wore outside.

But never fear, Hey DC is here with you your room-by-room guide to setting up your allergen-free home:

, especially if your doggie who loves to play outside cuddles with you nightly (guilty!).

 that are hypoallergenic or dust mite-proof.

Vacuum rugs regularly, particularly with a machine that uses 

Ventilation is key for your self-care space. An exhaust fan will help reduce moisture buildup.

Wash shower curtains and bathroom mats often. Spray and scrub surfaces weekly.

When was the last time you cleaned your fridge? Yeah, same. Scrub out the mold hiding in cracks and crevices, and replace moldy rubber seals around doors.

If possible, install an exhaust fan over your stove to remove cooking fumes.

Consider placing air purifiers throughout the house. You can find affordable purifiers at your local store — 

Avoid using wood-burning fireplaces as the smoke and gas can worsen respiratory allergies.

 — but consider the time of day and wind speeds. Nighttime is typically the worst time to open windows. 

Check the pollen count during peak allergy season

Wipe down dog and cat fur with a towel or disposable wipes.

Wash clothes soon after returning from outdoors.

If you live in a humid region, consider a 

What tips do you have for allergy season? 

Take these steps to control allergens in your home this season. Your sinuses will thank you.

Prepare Your DC Home For Allergy Season

Tips and tricks for living your best DC life, by locals, for locals.

DC Life Hacks

COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency

, it remains an illness that many people contract regularly, and acquiring treatment can be expensive and difficult to navigate. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has partnered with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer 

, a common treatment medication that typically costs upward of $1,400, which means you can get it for free or at a discounted price. Here’s what you need to know.

 to help fight COVID-19 infections. It works by keeping the virus from multiplying in your body. The company ran a clinical trial with over 2,000 people infected with COVID-19 and says that 

the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 86%

 that are taken orally twice daily for a total of five days. There is also a reduced dose for individuals with kidney disease. Your healthcare provider can prescribe the dosage and pack that is best for you.

You first need to get a prescription for Paxlovid from your doctor. Once you have a prescription, you can sign up for the free or reduced-cost medication option 

, or by calling 1-877-219-7225. You’ll need to provide some personal information such as your name, date of birth, and address. If you need assistance filling out the information, a local pharmacist should be able to help you.

Can You Get Paxlovid if You’re Uninsured?

Yes. The Paxcess program allows individuals without insurance, as well as those covered by Medicaid or Medicare, to get Paxlovid for free.

There might be a small cost if you have health insurance through a commercial provider, but it’s worth signing up through Paxcess, as it could help drastically reduce the cost of Paxlovid.

Paxlovid helps fight COVID-19, but it can be expensive. Here’s how to get it for free or at a reduced cost.

How To Get COVID-19 Treatment Paxlovid for Free

How to Get Paxlovid for Free

A killer worm that resembles a piece of cooked linguine is invading D.C. Nicknamed the hammerhead worm for its strange mushroom-like head, it can grow up to two feet long, can separate itself, and is highly poisonous.

The Bipalium worm is an invasive species and natural predator that hunts earthworms, snails, and slugs which can upset the forests' ecosystems. It secretes tetrodotoxin, a debilitating neurotoxin (also found in puffer fish) that can cause paralysis and even death.

Luckily for humans, the worm only causes skin irritation, but it can be deadly for pets. It can also break into multiple pieces, each functioning as its own worm that can regenerate into more sticky worms.

Bipalium worms were first spotted in the DMV 15 years ago, but recently sightings have increased. 

 are finding five to seven hammerhead worms in their yard per day.

Ecologists say don’t handle and definitely don’t eat the worms (not my first reaction, but just to be safe). Unfortunately, they can be hard to get rid of. The best thing to do is immobilize them with salt, use gloves to put them in a plastic bag, freeze them, and then trash them.

This is one of many invasive species that has been spotted in D.C in the last year like snakeheads, stink bugs, and spotted lantern flies to name a few. If you come across one, report it to your local county authorities or Department of Agriculture.

Poisonous Worms Are Taking Over Washington, DC

Giant Poisonous Worms Are Taking Over DC

Get to know the natural side of DC: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

DC Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

It’s the season of the big SAD, a.k.a your friend Seasonal Affective Disorder.

In D.C., the average 

 hours drops from 282 in June to 140 in January (RIP). The lack of sunlight can affect our melatonin and serotonin levels, mess with our circadian rhythms, and decrease our vitamin D. For some people, this can lead to major depression symptoms.

Besides just waiting around for spring, there are some things you can do to get back to your sunny self. 

Get a therapist! It’s 2023 people, just do it. They can lead you through coping strategies, stress management, and if needed, can prescribe some good ole’ Lexapro. D.C. also has a 

Light therapy. Try to spend some time outside every day, or invest in a light box to use in the morning. Both have been proven to help treat SAD.

Exercise regularly. It doesn’t have to be intense, and D.C. has tons of cheap and free options to motivate you. Work on your balance 

What are some ways you like to stay active and keep the seasonal blues at bay in D.C.?



If you or someone you know is in crisis or at risk for self harm, please call 911.



health

How DC Violence Interrupters Focus on Prevention Instead of Enforcement

Prepare Your DC Home For Allergy Season

How to Get Paxlovid for Free

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How DC Violence Interrupters Focus on Prevention Instead of Enforcement

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Giant Poisonous Worms Are Taking Over DC

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