Dear friends,

We have been through a remarkably challenging year: 2021 affected each of our families in different ways, and I know that many of us are missing beloved faces at our gatherings. January 2022 dawns, as each new year does, with anticipation—the hope for new joys, celebrations, successes, and the continued blessings of family and friends. May your new year be bountiful in all the ways that are meaningful to you.

This week, I’ll discuss the upcoming Greater Richmond Area Virtual Town Hall, share COVID-19 resources, talk about redistricting in the City of Richmond, and reiterate an important campaign for our healthcare heroes. Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter and staying informed about the current happenings around Virginia Senate District 10.

Tonight: Greater Richmond Area Virtual Pre-Session Town Hall
Please join us this evening for the Greater Richmond Area Virtual Pre-Session Town Hall hosted by Delegate Dawn M. Adams. We will be discussing the upcoming 2022 Session of the General Assembly and responding to constituent questions. Register for the Zoom town hall here. We look forward to your participation tonight. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics, Testing Sites, and Take Home Tests
According to the Virginia Department of Health, we are in the midst of our fifth coronavirus surge here in the Commonwealth. This week alone saw over 62,500 confirmed COVID cases. With the inclusion of probable cases, we likely have over 96,000 infections in Virginia. Individuals who have not been vaccinated are more likely to contract the virus. Individuals who have not been vaccinated are more likely to suffer severe symptoms, face hospitalization, experience long term health effects, and also possibly die. For the sake of our families and communities, it’s especially important that we are all vaccinated against this deadly virus.  Please also continue with good practices: wear quality masks, practice socially distancing, and follow other CDC and VDH guidelines. 

Vaccine Clinics

• City of Richmond: Weekly vaccine clinic schedules can be accessed here. Appointments are not required, but they are encouraged. You can make an appointment online or call (804) 205-3501.
• Chesterfield and Powhatan: Vaccines are available at the Community Vaccination Center (CVC) located at the Rockwood Vaccination Clinic at 10161 Hull Street Road in Midlothian. The CVC is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 5:30pm. Pfizer vaccinations for 5 to 11 year olds are available by appointment only. 

To find out more about where you can receive your vaccine or booster, visit the Center for Disease Control vaccine portal and the Virginia Department of Health website. Remember: vaccines are safe, effective, accessible, and free.

Community Testing Sites
With the Omicron variant’s higher levels of transmissibility, getting tested at the first sign of COVID-19 symptoms is more important than ever. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms can get tested at a number of different community testing sites in Central Virginia. Information is available on the VDH website, which also filters locations for free testing, Spanish language accessibility, and pediatric testing capabilities. 

Pick Up Take-Home Tests

• City of Richmond: Take-home tests will be available at select testing and vaccination clinics beginning January 3. More information can be found here. While supplies last, the Richmond Public Library has a limited number of COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home test kits. Call your nearest branch for more information. 
• Chesterfield: Chesterfield County Public Library has a limited number of COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home test kits to distribute free to the public. Visit the website or call your nearest branch for more information. 
• Powhatan: Information about where to find take-home tests can be found here. 

Redistricting in the City of Richmond
The Richmond City Council’s Decennial Voter District Redistricting process is currently underway and will follow this schedule for public discussion:

• January 24: Introduction of redistricting plan or plans for public comment
• January 25: 30-day public comment period begins
• February 14: Public hearing on proposed plan or plans
• February 28: Public hearing and adoption of final redistricting plan and published notice of final redistricting plan
• March 30: Adopted redistricting plan implementation

Additional dates and opportunities for discussion may be added. City of Richmond residents are encouraged to submit comments, questions, and suggestions:

• Email: [email protected]
• Fax: 804.646.5468
• Mail: Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting
  Richmond City Hall
  900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
  Richmond, Virginia 23219

More information about the redistricting process can be found here. You can find out who your City Council member is by using the City of Richmond property search tool. Contact information for your Richmond City Council member is here.

Reminder: Lights Up For Heroes
Prior to the holidays, I highlighted HCA Virginia’s Lights Up For Heroes campaign, which asks individuals, businesses, organizations, and other community partners to keep holiday lights up through January 31 to show support for our healthcare heroes. It’s not too late to show your support. You can continue posting your decorations and displays online using the hashtag #LightsUp4Heroes. Read more about the campaign here. 

Update: Connecting With My Office
With the start of the 2022 General Assembly Session, my staff will continue to hold meetings with constituents via Zoom or by phone. You can now sign up for a meeting with either of my staff members with our easy scheduling app: 
June Laffey - Chief of Staff 
Charles Turner - Legislative Assistant

You can also email us at [email protected]. 

— Ghazala