Originally published in The Danville Register & Bee.

To the editor:

Aug. 29 was national Women’s Equality Day. I am writing in support of the Stand With Women campaign and to call for Medicaid expansion in Virginia.

Since women are the main caregivers —including of grandchildren and elderly parents — in a lot of the homes in Virginia, there is a great need for Medicaid expansion to go into effect.

These women need it to stay healthy to care for their families. If they are not well, the family will struggle. Without access to health care, our entire community will not be healthy.

I urge the people in power — Delegate Danny Marshall, Sen. Bill Stanley and others — to stand with the women and the families who they represent in office.