Category: advocacy

Advocates Brave the Cold to Champion Breast Cancer Legislation

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 Commonwealth made a significant impact during our 2025 State Breast Cancer Advocacy Day last week. Advocates traveled from…
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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 not had a chance to reach…
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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 Labor and Commerce Committee will vote on this recommendation, and they typically approve subcommittee suggestions. Afterward, HB1828…
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Join Us for 2025 State Breast Cancer Advocacy Day

Please join us on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond for State Breast Cancer Advocacy Day. Meet fellow advocates, learn about the legislative process, and speak with state lawmakers about legislation important to breast cancer patients. No previous advocacy experience is necessary, and there is no cost to participate. Learn More &…
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Breast Cancer Diagnostics: Breaking Barriers for Better Care

by Dr. Priti Shah, Director of Breast Imaging for VCU Health & VBCF Board Member Fall is finally in the (cool, crisp) air.  Yellow school busses abound. Against the clear blue sky, leaves are turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. Pumpkin orange is everywhere.  Yet for many, October evokes another color: pink, symbolizing…
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Empowering Change: Breast Cancer Advocates Take to Capitol Hill

Three days of breast cancer research seminars and advocacy training, followed by 11 Congressional office visits, 2 Senate office visits, 16,848 steps, and 6.5 miles on Capitol Hill! This is what our fantastic group of Virginia breast cancer advocates, VBCF staff, and a Board member accomplished in Washington, DC, during the 2024 National Breast Cancer Coalition’s (NBCC) Advocate Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, May 4-7.

VBCF’s Take on the Drop in Breast Cancer Mortality

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, surgery was intensely disfiguring and often involved the removal of chest muscle in addition to breast tissue, and chemotherapy…
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VBCF Advocates: Pushing for Breast Cancer Policy Changes in 2023

Get the lowdown on the 2023 NBCC Leadership Summit and Lobby Day! Find out how our VBCF advocates and Noss Scholarship recipients are making a difference in the world of breast cancer legislation.

The Future Of DIEP Flap: Ensuring Continued Access To Innovative Breast Reconstruction

VBCF joins the Community Breast Reconstruction Alliance (CBRA) to advocate for continued access to DIEP flap breast reconstruction amid insurance code changes, ensuring vital options for patients.

2023 General Assembly Update

Officials pictured: State Senator Frank Ruff; Delegate Ellen Campbell, wife of late Del. Ronnie Campbell; Delegate Shelly Simonds; Mrs. Collette McEachin, Richmond City Commonwealth Attorney, and wife of late Congressman McEachin. VBCF was invited to speak at the Virginia Cancer Caucus on January 20th. The meeting honored the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin and the…
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