HOT SPRINGS, VA: Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (D-25th District) issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade:

During Supreme Court confirmation hearings, potential Supreme Court justices, who ended up being confirmed, noted that Roe v. Wade was “settled law,” implying that they would do nothing to overturn it. Those statements are now seen as clearly and plainly false.

The right of any individual to control their own healthcare decisions is essential if we are going to have economic opportunity for all. A woman’s right to make these critical healthcare decisions has long been acknowledged by that settled law, and today’s decision tragically separates women into classes of citizenship by geography. If you live in a state that acknowledges your fundamental rights, you have equal opportunity. If you live in a state that doesn’t acknowledge your fundamental rights, you are essentially a second-class citizen. The decision of today’s Supreme Court is unacceptable.

Women will continue to have access to legal and safe abortion here in Virginia.

Every election is critically important. It is essential that we maintain the Democratic majority in the Senate of Virginia and regain the majority in the House of Delegates so we can protect those rights for all Virginians.”

Virginia received 271,970 new doses of the vaccine in the past week from the federal government, and 22.7% of Virginians have received at least one vaccine dose. These vaccines have proven to be effective and with their help, we have hope that life can return to normal before too long.

Check out the VDH data dashboard and see the general VDH vaccine website to learn more.

Every Virginia resident should pre-register for the vaccine at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 1-877-829-4682. You can also use this website to check if you are already pre-registered. Once you are pre-registered, you can wait for the state to reach out to you when appointments are available in your area.

If you are in the 1b category of eligibility for the vaccine, you also have the option of signing up for an appointment with a private provider. The following providers are offering appointments in Virginia: CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, Kroger, Safeway, Food Lion, Giant Food, and CPESN LLC (a network of small pharmacies).

You can use VaccineFinder to help locate available appointments near you.

Updates from local health districts in the 25th Senate District

Alleghany Health District

The priority groups in the Alleghany Health District are healthcare workers, people 65 and older, and certain essential workers including law enforcement, firefighters, licensed childcare staff and teachers. Invitations to sign up will come through an email or phone call.

If you have questions or concerns, you can call the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health District Epidemiology Department: at 540-204-9995.

Blue Ridge Health District

The Blue Ridge Health District is closing the mass vaccination site at the former Kmart and replacing it with a new mass vaccination site at the former JCPenney store in the Fashion Square Mall (1639 Rio Road E, Charlottesville, Virginia).

The last day of appointments at Kmart was yesterday. The new site will begin operations on Tuesday 3/23. All second dose appointments that were previously scheduled for Kmart will now be scheduled at the JCPenney site.

For more information, the Blue Ridge Health District held a press conference this week that you can watch here.

Sign up to receive the BRHD newsletter here.

Central Shenandoah Health District

This week, the Central Shenandoah Health District expanded their effort to include all groups in the 1b category of eligibility. Unfilled appointment slots are posted on this website at 12:00 PM for the next day – if you are eligible and eager to get vaccinated be sure the check that site.

CSHD is hosting a COVID-19 Community Call-In on Wednesdays from 7-7:45 p.m. and for Spanish speakers from 6-6:45 p.m. If you wish to listen in, call 1-844-992-4729 and enter the following access number: 132 173 5589.

A private provider, Augusta Health, posts appointment slots on their website a few days in advance. However, they fill up quickly.

Sign up to receive the CSHD newsletter here.

If you need assistance with state government or if I can be of service to you, the best way to reach me is at my Hot Springs office at (540) 839-2473, my Charlottesville office at (434) 296-5491, or by email at district25@senate.virginia.gov.

• Budget hearings on January 6
• January 13 is the first day of the 2021 Session
• January 15 is the Senate budget amendment deadline

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We have been monitoring the spread of COVID-19 closely. We are in uncharted waters, and we need to continue to take swift action to assist all Virginians through this crisis. I am in communication today with the Governor to see how the state can assist our citizens and businesses through this extraordinary time. I am asking the Governor to provide meaningful relief and stand ready to return to Richmond if measures are needed beyond his executive powers. I would like to thank the Governor for his leadership during this time and encourage everyone to follow CDC guidelines and practice safe social distancing. With the closures of schools and many workplaces, some community services are adapting or offering additional resources during this time. For more information on COVID-19 and what you can do to be safe, please visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website  or the CDC website.

Below are just a few options and announcements affecting District 25 residents. We will update this list as we receive more information.

Regarding School Closures

We understand that the sudden closures of schools creates food insecurity for students on free or reduced lunch programs. Each locality is handling this differently. Please monitor your local school systems’ website and Facebook page to see current plans as they are updating frequently. Some school systems have not finalized their plans yet, but are anticipating something soon.

• Albemarle County: Student Meal Service During School Closure
• Alleghany County: Alleghany County Public Schools
• Buena Vista City: Buena Vista City Public Schools
• Charlottesville City: Neighborhood Meal Delivery During Closure
• Covington City: Coronavirus Updates
• Highland County: COVID-19 Emergency Food Program
• Lexington City: Official Website – City Schools
• Nelson County: Health and Wellness Update
• Rockbridge County: COVID-19 Information

Local Assistance

• If you are a member of the UVA community and are unable to leave grounds, UVA Food Pantry provides food and toiletries in the SAC building (1st floor of Newcomb Hall)
• SupportCville has a cultivated list of ways to provide and get help, including monetary, delivery of supplies, and legal concerns
• Rockbridge Area Relief Association will still be accepting help applications via phone and email. They will also be operating their food pantry on a drive-up basis. If you are low-risk, please consider volunteering

Do you know of an organization providing additional services during this time? Do you have opportunities for volunteering? Send us an email at district25@senate.virginia.gov.

We will do our best to provide updates and new information on social media.