HENRICO, V.A. – U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger hosted an open, public telephone town hall with Virginia Vaccine Distribution Coordinator Dr. Danny Avula to discuss Virginia’s progress in the fight against COVID-19 and to highlight the American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden last Thursday.

During the event, Spanberger and Dr. Avula answered questions directly from Seventh District constituents about Virginia’s vaccination efforts, specific provisions in the American Rescue Plan related to stimulus checks and small businesses, and the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.

Additionally, Spanberger provided an update on the American Rescue Plan’s provisions to support Virginia vaccine distribution, extend unemployment insurance, provide another round of direct payments to individuals and families, and establish a new program to help local restaurants weather the pandemic.

More than 5,000 Central Virginians tuned in to Spanberger’s virtual town hall. Click here to watch a recording of Thursday night’s event.

“At this moment, we’re seeing positive progress related to increased vaccinations and the rebuilding of our economy. There’s no doubt that we’re turning a corner in the fight against this virus — but we need to maintain our momentum here in Virginia,” said Spanberger. “On Thursday night, I was grateful to be joined by Dr. Avula to hear questions and concerns directly from Seventh District residents about vaccine distribution, the American Rescue Plan, and the state of Virginia’s economy. Additionally, I appreciated the opportunity to discuss several of the specific provisions in latest relief package that will provide much-needed assistance to Central Virginia families, workers, small businesses, restaurants, and schools. I encourage those who did not get the chance to ask a question to reach out to my office — and I’d like to thank the thousands of Central Virginians who joined our event for their time and their attention.”

Last Thursday’s virtual telephone town hall was Spanberger’s 12th public telephone town hall since the COVID-19 pandemic began. These events have focused on the impacts of the virus on Central Virginia families, small businesses, students, and seniors. Click here for recordings of these events.

Virginians can use the Virginia Department of Health’s centralized system to pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine at vaccinate.virginia.gov. Additionally, they can also pre-register via phone by calling (877) VAX-IN-VA — or (877) 829-4682 — from 8am to 8pm ET, seven days a week.

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