Month: July 2021

Federal funding could provide immediate relief to Virginia’s state-run mental hospitals

July 29, 2021

Northam’s latest proposal a ‘down payment’ to address pressing challengesBY: KATE MASTERS With Virginia’s state-run mental hospitals in the midst of a self-described crisis, Gov. Ralph Northam is proposing a $485 million investment in behavioral health services. The proposed allotment was announced Wednesday ahead of next week’s special General Assembly session, where lawmakers will decide […]

Hopewell Post Office Building renamed after Curtis Harris

July 22, 2021

By Maria- Paula Rev. Curtis West Harris was an African-American politician who served as a mayor, a minister of the gospel and a civil rights activist commitment to nonracial justice in Hopewell, Virginia where he lived with his family since 1928. He passed on at 93 in 2017. Harris was a husband to Ruth Jones […]

Virginia will expand mental health coverage under Medicaid

July 18, 2021

BY: KATE MASTERS Eastern State Hospital in James City County (Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services) For years, mental health treatment for many Virginians has followed a predictable pattern, said Anna Mendez, executive director of the Charlottesville-based nonprofit Partner for Mental Health. “For community providers like us, a family member will call and […]

No More Prosecution for Drug Possession and Prostitution in Baltimore

July 17, 2021

By Maria-Paula After Philadelphia’s District Attorney Larry Krasner in 2018 quit prosecuting marijuana, marijuana drug equipment possession and prostitution, Baltimore City State Attorney Marylin J. Mosby followed suit in March 2020. Non-violent offences including sex work, drug and paraphernalia possession, trespassing, urinating or defecating in public as well as minor traffic offences will no longer […]

Charged With Malicious Wounding: Behavioral Technician Alleged to Harm Juvenile Patient

July 17, 2021

By Maria- Paula A 57 year old former behavior technician in New Kent’s Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Stacey Burrel, was on Wednesday accused of malicious wounding on one felony count. Based on evidence by prosecutors from Virginia Attorney General Herring’s Office under the Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, the judgment was passed […]

Matching-grant program available to help local businesses attract new employees

July 17, 2021

Area small businesses can get support attracting new employees with signing bonuses through a matching-grant program that is available through Virginia Career Works Capital Region.Part of the state’s “Return to Earn” initiative, the hiring-incentive program will pay qualifying businesses up to $500 in matching funds for signing bonuses paid by employers for newly hired employees.Brian […]

Hope for the Homeless Women Powered by Rotary Club of Warwick at City Center

July 12, 2021

By Maria-Paula The Rotary Club of Warwick at City Center is giving homeless women the gift of pride and renewal by setting up an 1000 dollar beauty salon at the Four Oaks Day Services Center situated at 7401 Warwick Boulevard. This is focused at helping the homeless transition into employment, stable housing and independence. The […]

Black-owned social networking app set to launch

July 11, 2021

By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA) – A new app could end the so-called “Black Twitter” experience and allow African Americans their own social media platform. Backed by celebrities Sway Calloway, Kareem Grimes, Terrell Owens, and Miki Barber, the Black-owned social networking app, TruSo, is poised to debut. “I believe in the power of community – […]

Do not wait until cancer strikes to change your lifestyle.

July 2, 2021

By MARIA-PAULA Diana C. Awuor’s diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer in November 2020 shocked her to the core. The wife and mother of three; ages 6, 1, and 5 months, at diagnosis, never expected this but she has now reached a point of acceptance and is ready to share her story in a bid […]

Medicaid expands to cover full dental services, prenatal services

July 1, 2021

Effective today (July 1, 2021), Virginia has expanded Medicaid to cover dental benefits for all new and current enrollees as well as added new coverage for pregnant women regardless of their immigration status. The decision to expand dental and prenatal services is a historic one and will likely result in thousands of more Virginians enrolling in […]