National & State Advocacy

Since our founding 30+ years ago, VBCF has been working to eradicate breast cancer by advocating for improved public policies related to breast cancer and healthcare access. VBCF monitors and tracks legislation at both the state and federal levels. We mobilize and train volunteer advocates from around the state. Each year, we coordinate breast cancer advocacy days where volunteers meet with their legislators in the Virginia General Assembly and the United States Congress to discuss how to improve the lives of those impacted by breast cancer.

YOUR voice can make a difference. When our elected officials hear from their constituents who have been affected by breast cancer, it makes a BIG impact. Watch our webinar, Raise Your Voice, to learn more about VBCF’s state and national advocacy and get started today!  No previous experience is necessary. 

Sign up for VBCF Action Alerts

VBCF Action Alerts will keep you up to date with the latest breast cancer legislation – at both the state and national levels – and provide the tools and information you need to take action. These email alerts are sent periodically – when your advocacy is needed the most. They also provide policy education, with background and details about advocacy issues of interest to the breast cancer community. Sign Up!

Keep it Local! State Advocacy Day

VBCF mobilizes volunteer advocates in the winter each year during the VA General Assembly session which starts in early January.  VBCF provides training so that advocates are prepared to meet with their state delegate and senator on key state issues related to breast cancer.

2024 Virginia General Assembly Re-Cap 

2023 Virginia General Assembly Session Update

2022 Virginia General Assembly Update

2021 Virginia General Assembly Session 2021 Recap

 

Take it to Congress! National Advocacy Day

Each Spring (in non-Covid times), VBCF organizes volunteer advocates to participate in the annual National Breast Cancer Advocacy Day, hosted by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) and centered around NBCC’s national legislative priorities. Advocates meet with elected officials and staff from members of Virginia’s Congressional delegation. No experience is necessary – just your willingness to share your experiences with breast cancer. NBCC Team Leaders from Virginia run each meeting and can field questions from legislators and their staff.

2023 NBCC National Breast Cancer Lobby Day: VBCF advocates met with members of Virginia’s Congressional delegation on May 9, 2023.  Click here for more information about our meetings and results. 

2022 NBCC National Breast Cancer Lobby Day:  Re-Cap

In 2021, VBCF volunteer advocates participated in NBCC’s Virtual Breast Cancer Lobby Day on May 18th, 2021.

Check out details from our successful, First-Ever Virtual National Breast Cancer Advocacy Day, June 16, 2020.

VBCF's Advocacy Task Force & The Karin Decker Noss Scholarship

VBCF’s Advocacy Task Force offers volunteers an opportunity to get advocacy training and take an active role in helping with VBCF’s work throughout the year, including State and National Advocacy Days.  The Task Force will meet virtually and in person. If you want to learn more and find out how to get involved, please contact Kirsta Millar at kirsta@vbcf.org

VBCF’s Karin Decker Noss Scholarship funds training for volunteer advocates to attend national, in-depth educational conferences and bring this knowledge back to Virginia.  Karin Decker Noss was a dedicated board member and former VBCF president who dedicated her life to breast cancer advocacy.  This scholarship honors Karin and seeks to carry on the important work that she began. 

Advocacy News

VBCF’s Take on the Drop in Breast Cancer Mortality

Erin Steigleder, MSW – Education Manager You may have seen the recent Washington Post article discussing how the death rate for breast cancer has dropped 58% since 1975. And that’s amazing! Back in 1975, mammograms were difficult to access and less accurate,...

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