Friends,

Our team continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on our district and the Commonwealth. As we practice social distancing, we are working hard to remain connected with you. In addition to regular updates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, we have implemented these essential strategies:

First, every Thursday at 11am, I host Senate Sessions: Five Minutes with District 10 through Facebook Live. These Senate Sessions are brief, informational videos covering COVID-19 updates as well as other topics that affect each of us. These sessions highlight necessary resources and give us an opportunity to connect regularly.

If you want to ask questions, please submit them in advance through this simple form. The upcoming Senate Sessions will focus on these topics: Absentee Voting and the Upcoming Elections (April 16); the State Budget (April 23); and District 10 COVID updates (April 30).

Next, we continue to compile resources to help you and your family navigate COVID-19. Here are some of the latest resources:

• The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) has designed a collection of resources that can help with navigating financial security through the COVID-19 crisis. This resource assists both individuals and businesses with information to avoid scams, tips on who to contact regarding health claims/questions, as well as how to find professionals to assist with financial security planning.

• Cover Virginia has information on Virginia's Medicaid and Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) programs. This resource offers an array of information available regarding healthcare.

• During this time, it is imperative that we take care of our mental health and also look out for others. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has created a Disaster Distress Helpline which provides access for individuals who seek counseling due to emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. This helpline is available all day, every single day. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

• We can’t deny that our pets are a part of our family. Their safety is just as important as ours. The CDC’s COVID-19 and Animals provides useful information on pet care during this time.

• The American Diabetes Association provides helpful resources, support, and guidance for those impacted by diabetes and who are at higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19. If you are struggling to pay for insulin, the ADA has resources to help. If you have any questions, you can also reach them via phone at 1-800-342-2383.

Finally, we will be hosting monthly Town Halls to provide support during this period. Our first Town Hall focuses on Mental Health Strategies: Coping with COVID 19. Please join us online, from 5 to 6pm, Thursday, April 16. Our guest speaker will be Erin Lessin Mahone, author of If You Could See Me Now. We will discuss strategies for supporting children, loved ones, and ourselves during this period of crisis. Register now for this upcoming and important discussion.

We will continue to be in touch with more resources and information as we receive them.

In the meantime, if you’re a constituent and need to reach out to our office for support, please email [email protected].

- Ghazala