Media Advisory

What: Community Forum: Children’s Health Care in Virginia

When: Wednesday, January 28 from 6-7:30 p.m.

Where: American National University (336 Old Riverside Dr., Danville, VA 24541)

Who: Virginia Organizing and Voices for Virginia’s Children

On Wednesday, January 28 at 6 p.m., Virginia Organizing and Voices for Virginia’s Children will host a community forum on children’s health care in Virginia. Students, faculty, service providers, and community members will gather for a conversation about the effects of changes made to parent and child health insurance programs. Participants will learn more about Medicaid expansion, the CHIP/FAMIS program, how their families can benefit, and what Virginia stands to lose if our elected officials don’t take action.

“Our children’s health is most important and many families count on Medicaid and FAMIS because family income could not afford private issuance costs,” said Amanda Martinez Reaves, a Virginia Organizing member and mother of three children who receive Medicaid. “I have also personally benefited from Medicaid. It has literally been a lifesaver by helping provide me with all of my medical supplies which would otherwise cost me in the thousands monthly.”

The issue of children’s health care is also important to Carlene Wilson, the campus director for the Danville campus of American National University.

“Health care overall is an important issue. If parents and children learn about preventive measures, they can avoid future problems in health care. By educating the public about the opportunities in health care, we can alleviate the disparities in our health care system,” said Wilson.

Enroll Virginia will also be available Wednesday to help families get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace.

To interview a spokesperson for this event, contact Amanda Pohl at 804-337-1912 or amanda@virginia-organizing.org.