Volunteers from across Virginia visited the State Capitol on January 21 in an effort to make their voices heard in the fight against cancer!
The day began with a legislative briefing that included a visit from State Delegate Glenn Davis. The volunteers then conducted individual meetings with their state legislators and staff. The meetings focused on proposed policy changes that would impact cancer patients' access to the medications their doctors prescribe, and preventing the expansion of short-term health care plans that don't have to follow the guidelines set forth by the Affordable Care Act. Of course they also reminded their legislators of how important it is for the state budget to included funding for cancer research.
Volunteers wrapped up the day by being publicly recognized in House of Delegates' gallery for all of their continued efforts in the fight to defeat cancer.
After months of delay and hard negotiations, Congress has finally passed a funding bill! The bill includes a small increase for cancer research and prevention programs.