What: Rally in support of Medicaid expansion

When: Saturday, February 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Grass in front of Peebles parking lot by the Four Corners Plaza of Onley

Onley, Va.— Local residents and members of the Eastern Shore Chapter of Virginia Organizing will gather on the land in front of the Four Corners Plaza in Onley Saturday at 10 a.m. to tell Delegate Bloxom to vote Yes for Medicaid expansion. It is being presented as a part of the budget in the General Assembly this year.

Medicaid expansion will add about 30,000 well-paying health care jobs to Virginia’s economy and provide care coverage to 240,000 people. Some of those people include parents of children who are already covered by Medicaid, people with disabilities, and people who work in low-wage jobs. Expanding Medicaid costs the state of Virginia less over the next two years than if we choose not to expand. It will add millions of dollars to our economy.

“One measure of a country’s greatness is how well it provides for the needs of all its citizens,” said Rev. Alex Joyner, a United Methodist pastor on the Shore. “Providing greater access to healthcare for the large number of poor and working poor Americans through Medicaid expansion is an expression of our strength as a people.”

Al Willis, member of the Mary N Smith Board of Directors, agrees.

“We hope Delegate Bloxom will do the right thing. Residents of the Eastern Shore need Medicaid expansion.”

Angelica Garcia-Randle, Missioner for Latino Ministries on the Eastern Shore, Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia, echoes that sentiment.

“I urge our elected officials to please consider how this affects their constituents on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, especially our most vulnerable and underserved communities. We claim to be a tight knit community here on the Shore. So, how do we support our neighbors in need? It all circles back to us. We can’t unsee what we know needs fixing.”

To interview a spokesperson for this event, please contact Meghan McNamara at 847-922-1213 or meghan@virginia-organizing.org.