L-R: Katie Page, certified nurse-midwife; Delegate Rodney Willett; Roshay Richardson; Kathryn Haines, VA Interfaith Center’s health equity manager

Dear ,

When Roshay Richardson traveled three hours from Danville to Richmond at dawn with her infant son in her arms during this past General Assembly, she carried more than just her baby. She carried the hopes of countless rural mothers facing potential healthcare deserts. Her powerful testimony before the Virginia House of Delegates helped secure unanimous passage of HB1904, a critical piece of legislation that addresses a glaring gap in rural maternal care. The bill emerged from a real crisis: Sovah Health's Danville hospital was forced to temporarily close its labor and delivery unit simply because no pediatrician was available for the required on-call roster, despite qualified midwives being ready to provide care.

Richardson's story exemplifies how personal experience can drive meaningful policy change. As a doula who had worked with midwives, she understood the absurdity of closing an entire maternity unit when certified nurse midwives and pediatric nurse practitioners were fully qualified to provide newborn care. Her advocacy wasn't just theoretical. She was pregnant herself and faced the terrifying prospect of having to travel to North Carolina for emergency care, where her certified professional midwife couldn't legally accompany her. Through persistent outreach and coalition-building, advocates like Richardson and Haines connected with Delegate Rodney Willett, who championed the bill based on his deep understanding of rural healthcare challenges and existing relationships built on trust.

The success of HB1904, signed into law by Governor Youngkin in March 2025, demonstrates that effective advocacy doesn't require professional expertise. It requires authentic voices sharing real experiences. As Richardson puts it, "People need to know they have more power than they give themselves credit for."

In Solidarity,
Keisha

Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook
Executive Director

Join us Thursday in Bristol, Friday in Floyd, and Saturday in Danville for more unforgettable moments of solidarity and revival. At these fellowship gatherings, faith and community leaders from different traditions share reflections on justice, and the importance of civic engagement in anticipation of the November election. Let’s keep the energy alive and work toward a more just and compassionate Virginia. 

• Thursday, July 31 – Bristol  
• Friday, August 1 – several stops, including Floyd  
• Saturday, August 2 – Danville  

• Fredericksburg- August 14, 3:00pm-6:00pm 
• Newport News- August 28, 3:00pm-6:00pm 
• Petersburg- NEW DATE To Be Determined  

Join us for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to exploring how faith communities can play a vital role in addressing housing needs. Whether you're just beginning to explore the idea or already on the path, this event offers valuable insights and connections to move your vision forward. 

Join us in prayer for our immigrant siblings!

On Wednesday, August 13, VICPP will host a virtual prayer service focused on welcoming and supporting the immigrant community. Hear about the shared call to welcome the stranger from various religious traditions and listen to testimonies from those who have experienced being newcomers to the United States.

100% Voting Congregation Campaign

Over the last two years, more than 100 congregations—large, medium, and small—have taken the pledge to encourage their members to exercise their sacred privilege of voting. Collectively, you represented AME, Baptist, Catholic, COGIC, Episcopal, Friends, Jewish, Lutheran, Methodist, Non-Denominational, Presbyterian, UCC, and UU faith communities. Your collective voices were heard during the 2024 General Election and throughout the January 2025 session of the General Assembly. And now, it's time to do it again!

This year’s election is a crucial moment that will determine the direction of our Commonwealth and our communities. We must expand our engagement beyond last year’s efforts. Our goal is to triple the number of participating congregations—from 100 to 300—that pledge to encourage, motivate, and assist members, family, and friends in getting to the polls this November.

Will you sign the 2025 pledge?

Once you sign the pledge, VICPP will send you a 3' x 6' banner to display outside your congregation, showing your commitment to civic engagement. The banner will help motivate members and the broader community to participate in voting.

VICPP will also provide an updated toolkit to support your congregation’s efforts. You'll receive an invitation to join our “Voting Congregations” Facebook group, where you can access draft social media posts, bulletin announcements, preaching support, and prayers.

Election Day is less than 100 days away, and early voting begins on September 19. The time to get involved is now!

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy advocates economic,
racial, and social justice in Virginia’s policies and practices
through education, prayer, and action.