HENRICO, V.A. – U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger this week hosted a virtual telephone town hall focused on healthcare issues facing Central Virginians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the event, Spanberger was joined by Virginia Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin Figueroa, Virginia Rural Health Association Executive Director Beth O’Connor, and Virginia Pharmacists Association Executive Director Christina Barrille.

Spanberger and the panel of experts answered questions directly from Central Virginians about a range of healthcare issues facing the Seventh District — from rising prescription drug costs to the skyrocketing demand for telehealth throughout the Commonwealth amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Spanberger addressed ongoing concerns about the U.S. Postal Service and recent delivery delays impacting the delivery of prescription medications. Click here to watch the full event.

“Through virtual conversations and on-site visits this week, I’ve focused on the wide range of healthcare issues facing our communities — especially as the COVID-19 crisis continues to create uncertainty throughout Central Virginia. I’ve met with public health officials, patients, mental health experts, pharmacists, and community health workers who are working tirelessly to protect the lives of our neighbors,” said Spanberger. “During this week’s virtual town hall, we heard directly from those in our communities about their concerns amid the massive public health crisis we face. I’d like to thank our guest experts for joining our conversation, and I remain committed to improving our response to the pandemic at all levels, protecting access to healthcare coverage, and building stronger healthcare outcomes for all Virginians long into the future.”

“In Virginia, we’ve seen firsthand the tragedy and heartbreak COVID-19 has caused, especially within some of our most vulnerable communities. During this pandemic, it’s critical to work together to protect access to affordable, high-quality healthcare services,” said Marvin Figueroa, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Office of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. “I’d like to thank Rep. Spanberger for her leadership in holding last night’s event, because these community conversations and direct feedback from Virginians help inform decisions at all levels of government.”

“VRHA commends Congresswoman Spanberger on addressing issues directly with the public,” said Beth O’Connor, Executive Director, Virginia Rural Health Association. “We look forward to working with her on this and other issues that impact rural communities in the future.”

Last month, Spanberger led the introduction of bipartisan legislation to maintain critical telehealth services and provide much-needed funding to the Federal Communications Commission’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program.

Thursday’s telephone town hall was Spanberger’s ninth free, public telephone town hall since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Earlier this month, she hosted a virtual telephone town hall, during which she answered questions directly from Seventh District residents about rising prescription drug prices, COVID-19 testing, bipartisan gun violence prevention efforts, broadband internet infrastructure, and several additional topics. Click here to watch a full video of the event.

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