Since our founding 35+ years ago, VBCF has been working to eradicate breast cancer by advocating for improved state and federal health policies related to all stages of breast cancer – from early detection and diagnosis, to treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care. We also advocate for breast cancer research funding and health care access. Learn more about VBCF’s Advocacy Priorities and Accomplishments or watch our webinar, Raise Your Voice.
YOUR voice can make a difference! We mobilize volunteer advocates across the state and provide the background information and training you need to take action. VBCF hosts annual Breast Cancer Advocacy days where volunteers meet with their legislators at the Virginia General Assembly and in Congress to discuss how to improve the lives of those impacted by breast cancer. Throughout the year, our Advocacy Alert email system keeps advocates informed about opportunities to support important legislation at the Virginia Capitol and in Congress.
When our elected officials hear from their constituents who have been affected by breast cancer, it makes a BIG impact. Learn more about VBCF’s state and national advocacy below 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
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VBCF mobilizes volunteer advocates to support important state legislation related to breast cancer. VBCF’s annual State Breast Cancer Advocacy Day takes place during the VA General Assembly session, which starts in early January each year. VBCF provides training so that advocates are prepared to meet with their state elected officials about key issues impacting Virginians with breast cancer.
- 2025 Virginia Breast Cancer Advocacy Day Recap
- 2024 Virginia Breast Cancer Advocacy Day and 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
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.
- 2025 NBCC Advocate Leadership Summit and Lobby Day Re-Cap
- 2024 NBCC Advocacy Leadership Summit and Lobby Day Re-Cap
- 2023 NBCC National Breast Cancer Lobby Day: 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.
- First-Ever Virtual National Breast Cancer Advocacy Day, June 16, 2020.
VBCF's Karin Decker Noss Scholarship for Advocacy Training
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
Advocates Brave the Cold to Champion Breast Cancer Legislation
Kirsta Millar, Director of Policy Waiting in line for half an hour in 15-degree weather outside the General Assembly did not deter our VBCF advocates! Despite the bitter cold and a packed legislative building, nearly 30 dedicated volunteer advocates from across the...
Senate Action Needed Now for SB1238: Protect Patients from High Out-of-Pocket Costs
Update! Just a quick update that due to many delays yesterday in the State Senate, our bill, SB1238 was not heard in the Commerce and Labor Committee after all. It should be on the agenda for Monday, January 27th now so stay tuned!Also, you have more time if you have...
Update on HB1828: A Step Closer to Eliminating Out-of-Pocket Costs for Diagnostic Breast Imaging
Unanimous Support in Subcommittee! Great news! Yesterday, the House Labor and Commerce Subcommittee unanimously voted to report HB1828 to Appropriations. This marks a significant milestone—the first unanimous, bipartisan vote in support of the bill! Next up, the full...
