January 11, 2023
RICHMOND, VA – Today, Speaker Don Scott announced the creation of a new committee addressing the lack of access to healthcare in rural Virginia. This temporary committee would convene May 1st and complete their work by November 15th, with at least five recommendations for the 2025 Legislative Session. Delegate Rodney Willett will chair the committee and Delegate Bobby Orrock will serve as Vice-Chair.
“For the first time in generations, life expectancy in the United States has decreased,” said Speaker Don Scott. “This is acute in our rural communities where suicide, overdose deaths, and diabetes are on the rise. As we endeavor to live by our oath to serve the people of Virginia, it is critical that we address this matter with the urgency it deserves. I know Delegate Rodney Willett will get the job done.”
“This is an issue that affects every corner of the Commonwealth, and I’m confident that together with the rest of the committee, we will find tangible ways to make healthcare more accessible,” said Delegate Mark Sickles, Chairman of the House Health and Human Services Committee.
Delegate Rodney Willett, the appointed Chair of the select committee, said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to chair this much needed committee and for the Speakers’ confidence in me. We know that the challenges rural folks face are unique. They often must travel great distances to access adequate healthcare. Telehealth, which serves as an alternative to many and grew in accessibility for most during the COVID-19 pandemic, is still inaccessible in some areas due to a lack of high-speed broadband. It is my hope that the select committee can make recommendations to address these issues in the next Legislative Session.”
“As someone raised in rural Virginia and having seen first hand the healthcare needs of these communities while serving in a volunteer rescue capacity, it is my great hope that I can be beneficial in addressing those needs as Vice-Chair,” said Delegate Bobby Orrock. Orrock was appointed Vice-Chair of the select committee.
The members of the committee will include Delegates Rodney Willett (Chair), Mark Sickles, Candi Mundon King, Nadarius Clark, Joshua Cole, Kannan Srinivasan, Amy Laufer, Robert Orrock (Vice-Chair), Israel O’Quinn, Ellen Campbell, Daniel Marshall, and Otto Wachsmann.
The committee requires approval from the clerk’s office for funding. Members of the press interested in learning more about the committee or Sickles’ appointment should contact Amanda Pittman at amanda@speakerdonscott.com or Morgan Hopkins at morgan@vahousedems.org.
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