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    • Sep 7, 2021
    • 3 min read

Virginia Updates for September 7

It's Monday, Virginia! Here are your Virginia Updates for September 7 📬


This week we are sharing information on the upcoming Candidates Forum happening this thursday, September 9. This will be a great opportunity to meet all the candidates running for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. Register for the event in the link in our bio. Also this week, we are sharing information on the removal of the Lee statue in Richmond, How to help those affected by Hurricane Ida, and bills that are helping provide additional funding for mental health support.


We have news on;

- Candidate Forum this Thursday, September 9!

- Robert E. Lee Statue Coming Down

- Hurricane Ida Aftermath & How to Help

- Mental Health State Support

- Vaccine Update

- COVID-19 Data




Candidate Forum this Week!


This Thursday, September 9, 2021 the Multicultural Chamber Alliance will be hosting a Candidate Forum.


The Multicultural Chamber Alliance (MCCA), is an alliance of the Asian American Chamber, the Northern Virginia Black Chamber and the Virginia Hispanic Chamber.


Candidates Attending:

Governor: Terry McAuliffe (D) and Glen Youngkin (R)

Lt. Governor: Hala Ayala (D) and Winsome Sears (R)

Attorney General: Mark Herring (D) and Jason Miyares (R)


Visit bit.ly/sep9forum to register today!

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Robert E. Lee Statue Update


The Virginia Supreme Court cleared the way for the removal of the Confederate General Robert E. Lee from Monument Avenue in Richmond after dismissing lawsuits against the move.


Preparations will begin Tuesday evening, when crews will install protective fencing along Monument Avenue. The statue itself will be removed tomorrow, Wednesday morning. On Thursday, crews will remove the plaques at the base of the statue and replace a time capsule believed to be at the site.


The Lee statue is the last Confederate icon along Richmond’s Monument Avenue to be removed.


The state is planning to designate a public viewing area for pedestrians at Monument Avenue and Stuart Circle. The area will open at 8 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and access will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The public can also watch online on the governor’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.


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Hurricane Ida Aftermath


Hurricane Ida caused significant damage to states like Mississippi, Louisiana, New York and New Jersey.


Over a million homes and businesses were left without power in Louisiana, including the entire city of New Orleans and the mid-Atlantic region from Maryland to Rhode Island. Many neighborhoods were flooded, and authorities from one end of Ida's path to the other are just beginning to determine the damage done and what help will be needed.


Many organizations are sharing ways to support those affected by the hurricane. Here are some ways to help:

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Mental Health Support


As students return to the classroom, Virginia is putting millions in additional funding towards more school counselors and other support staff.


The new policies from the General Assembly are being implemented at a time when pediatricians across the state are reporting an alarming decline in the mental, behavioral, academic and physical health of their patients.


Senate Bill 1257 invested an additional $50 million per year to increase school support staff as recommended by the Virginia Board of Education’s Standards of Quality. Senate Bill 880requires one full-time equivalent school counselor position for every 325 K-12 students, this is also taking effect in the 2021-2022 school year.


The Virginia Department of Health and many of its partners are also getting funding to expand support for community health workers. The CDC awarded more than $4.3 million to the Institute for Public Health Innovation, which had applied for funding on behalf of VDH.


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Vaccine Updates


The Danville Register & Bee reported Saturday that the recent surge in COVID-19 infections has encouraged more residents to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated in the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District.


Southside Virginia trails the rest of the state in vaccination rates. As of last Friday, 51% of adults in Danville were fully vaccinated and 47% of adults were fully vaccinated in Pittsylvania County.


Vaccine Summary: As of Tuesday, September 7

  • Total Doses Administered: 10,073,328

  • People Fully Vaccinated: 4,894,969 or 57.3%

  • % of Adults (18+) Fully Vaccinated: 68.5%

  • People Vaccinated with at least 1 dose: 5,527,302 or 64.8%

  • % of Adults (18+) Vaccinated with at least 1 dose: 76.9%


For more information on Virginia's vaccination efforts, please visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA


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COVID-19


The Virginia Department of Health reported Tuesday that the statewide total for COVID-19 cases is 788,917. The 788,917 consists of 597,464 confirmed and 191,453 probable cases. There are 11,947 COVID-19 deaths, and Virginia’s 7-day positivity rate is now at 10.0%.


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Thanks for joining this week! If you have any questions or would like more information about today's post, please feel free and reach out below.


Maria, Editor in Chief

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