Local Forum to Answer Questions About the New Health Care Law

Health and Human Services Regional Director to Speak at Forum and Explain How the Health Care Bill Will Help

Virginians Norfolk, VA – On September 16, 2010 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., Virginia Organizing, along with Empower Hampton Roads and the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy will hold a large, educational forum on the new health care law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Joanne Grossi, Regional Director of Health and Human Services, will be explaining what the new health care law will mean for Hampton Roads families, Medicare recipients, individuals with pre-existing conditions, small business owners, young people and more.

Over 100 residents are expected at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension to ask questions and learn about how the new health care law will benefit them. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law in April, yet many provisions will go into effect between now and 2014. The forum is taking place a week ahead of the large September 23 milestone where several key health care bill provisions go into effect, including the provision allowing young people to stay on their parents’ health insurance until they are 26 years old.

WHO: Virginia Organizing, Empower Hampton Roads, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy Featured Presenter: Joanne Grossi, Regional Director of Health and Human Services

WHAT: Forum: The New Affordable Health Care Law, A Century in the Making

WHEN: Thursday, September 16, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Episcopal Church of the Ascension 405 Talbot Hall Rd. Norfolk, VA 23505

Speaker Bio: In April 2010, Joanne Grossi (MIPP) was appointed by the Obama Administration as the Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Region III, which includes the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. As Regional Director, Ms. Grossi serves as the key representative in this region in working with federal, state, local and tribal officials on a wide range of health and social services issues. Virginia Organizing is a statewide grassroots organization that brings people together to create a more just Virginia. www.virginia-organizing.org ###