Friends,

Thank you so much for everything you’re doing to stay safe. We each have a role to play in protecting our loved ones and fellow citizens.

Our team continues to work virtually, staying connected to each other and our constituents over the phone, Zoom, and email. You can stay in touch with our team and also receive assistance as constituents in the following ways:

We’re still collecting responses to our Issues Survey — please let us know what issues are top of mind by filling out this form and if you’d like to schedule a constituent meeting with a member of my team. We’ll be in touch shortly to schedule a meeting.
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If you need constituent services, please reach out via email at [email protected]. Email is the best way to get in touch with us if you need help navigating a state agency or require other constituent services. Because we are working remotely, email works faster than phone for us right now. We are available to help.

Additional resources
Our team continues to compile resources to help you navigate this crisis. Next week, we will have a resources section on my updated website to help you find local, state, and national COVID-19 resources.
Today, I want to share resources for chronically ill patients. The Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF) has been working with those who are chronically ill for over 20 years. They’ve compiled information from patients, physicians, and health care practitioners, and it is available in GHLF’s free COVID-19 Patient Support Program. You can learn more about their Patient Support Program here.

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Our next Town Hall: This Thursday, May 14, at 5pm
This Thursday, I’ll be joined by Dr. Micol Hutchison, VCCS Director of Pathways to the Arts and Humanities, to discuss the role that arts and humanities can play in the midst of a global pandemic. From building connections to fighting stigma and systemic inequities, we’ll touch on what art, philosophy, literature, and history can teach us in this moment. We sure hope that you will join us for this important conversation.

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Congrats, grads!
Congratulations to all the students who are graduating from our Virginia colleges, universities, and community colleges this spring; this week would typically have marked many college commencement exercises. Yours is a tremendous accomplishment, and you and your families have so much to be proud of. I know that this graduation is not what you had planned for or dreamed about, but I hope that you will find particular moments of joy in celebrating with family and loved ones. I know also that many Virginia colleges are planning special exercises once we are able to gather again. I celebrate your successes now, and I look forward to joining some special celebrations in a few months’ time.

A reflection during Ramadan
Lastly, I want to share a personal reflection. Muslims around the world are observing Ramadan, a month of special prayers, fasting, and charity. Family and friends of the Muslim faith have shared with me how, though Ramadan is challenging in the midst of the pandemic, this year’s observance has been made more keen and special because it has focused our attention on family, blessings, and the need for compassion for others. And so, these words from the Holy Qur'an are especially relevant in our times: "Charity is for those in need, who, . . . are restricted [from travel], and cannot move about in the land, seeking [for trade or work]" (2:273).

During Ramadan, and in the midst of our pandemic, I've been so pleased to work with the Richmond chapter of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA Relief) to distribute groceries and other essentials to families in the RVA region. This weekend, my husband Azhar and I helped pack up boxes that were provided to over 350 families. Thank you to all of the volunteers who make this tremendous effort possible every week!

And thank you to each of you who continues to provide care, compassion, and charitable support for the people around you.

Thank you,

Ghazala

 


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Friends of Ghazala Hashmi
PO Box 72923
Richmond VA 23235 United States

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