On December 20^th members of Chapter CD P.E.O. Sisterhood, Littleton, NC and members of the Lake Gaston Ladies Club turned the activities building at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services into Santa’s workshop.

These wonderful women have been wrapping the children’s Christmas gifts for 23 years. It is an annual labor of love.

Most of the children have sad memories of Christmas due to dysfunctional homes. Christmas is just another day for them with no gifts or special meals made with love.

Jackson-Feild staff make every effort to ensure that the student residents will have a Christmas they will cherish forever.

The morning began with the women arriving bright and early. They got right to work and by the end of the day over 250 presents were lovingly wrapped by these special elves.

The funds to purchase the presents were provided by caring donors. The gifts will be given to the children Christmas morning.

The ladies and the children and staff were treated to a special Christmas luncheon by the chefs and staff of US Foods in Zebulon, North Carolina. This is also an annual event. US Foods provides the food and their staff prepares it.

The event is special and spreads Christmas cheer and brings home the spirit of the season of giving and good will.

To learn more about Jackson-Feild see https://jacksonfeild.org/.

RICHMOND – The holidays are typically a time of joy and gathering with loved ones, but this year far too many will be missing from these gatherings. As 2022 comes to an end, Virginia has seen a rise in traffic deaths. Many of these tragedies included pedestrians and those not wearing a seatbelt. Virginia State Police remind all those on Virginia roadways that driving responsibly means everyone can get home for the holidays safely.

"This past Thanksgiving, Virginia had a record number of traffic deaths. It was the most on any major holiday in a decade. And, the past three years have seen ever increasing numbers of total traffic deaths each year*," said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. "I encourage all Virginians and their families to make time this holiday season and talk about ways to be safer on the road. Encourage loved ones young and old to adopt new safety habits and start 2023 on the right foot."

Virginia State Police is urging every motorist on the road this holiday season to be responsible, obey the traffic laws, ditch distractions and wear a seatbelt. Whether heading to the grocery store or the post office, delivering gifts to family and friends, or celebrating the New Year, choose to do it safely and do it responsibly.

Every year during the holidays, there is an increase in drunk-driving related fatalities and crashes across the nation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in December 2020, there were 937 lives lost in drunk-driving crashes nationwide.

"Remember, drinking and driving or being impaired in any way is never an option," says Settle. "Celebrating can mean different things to different people but it should never include driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol."

Drivers and passengers have many alternatives to arrive home safely. If you plan to attend a party or celebrate with a small group of friends during the holidays, please remember:

• Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a friend, call family, call a cab or use public transportation.
• If you know someone who has been drinking - Do not let them drive. Arrange another safe way home.
• Remain alert for impaired drivers and do not hesitate to notify law enforcement by dialing #77 (hands free only or have a passenger call) to notify your nearest Virginia State Police Emergency Communications Center. Your actions could save someone's life.

 *Source: Virginia Highway Safety Office, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

New tool shows Virginia localities estimated money from opioid settlements 

By Natalie Barr, Capital News Service

Embeddable maps shows rate and total overdose deaths from 2007-2021 (link to map here: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/zvvlc/5/

)

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia localities can now get a look at the estimated money they will receive from multibillion-dollar national opioid settlements, to help with prevention and treatment in the ongoing opioid crisis. The recently established Opioid Abatement Authority released on Dec. 7 a lookup tool for localities to search the projected settlement funds estimated through fiscal year 2039.

Anthony McDowell is the executive director of the Opioid Abatement Authority. His team reviews funding requests and distributes money from the abatement fund to provide treatment for communities most affected by opioid misuse and overdoses, McDowell said. 

The authority is in its early stages, and only just beginning to distribute money and notify localities of funding, McDowell said. Funding is based on factors including if the settlement originated from that locality and other conditions identified in the settlements. The organization also will review requests from localities.

Settlements, according to the authority, are with the manufacturer Janssen; distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, McKesson and Walmart; and the marketing company McKinsey & Co.

Sen. George Barker, D-Fairfax, introduced Senate Bill 1469 in the 2021 General Assembly session to establish the Opioid Abatement Authority. The measure will be effective in creating long-term change to help counteract the opioid crisis, Barker said. 

“I think we were very responsible and responsive to the people who have been dealing with these issues for years in helping to get funding to come in as part of some of these settlements and to be able to address it from both the public safety and the health care standpoints,” Barker said.

The funds can be used for “anything” targeting prevention and treatment, and supporting people in recovery from opioid misuse, according to McDowell.

“Every dollar has to be spent on efforts to abate the opioid epidemic, and the definition of the law under the settlement is pretty broad,” McDowell said. 

There will be multiple public listening sessions in coming months to help determine funding priorities. State leaders are dedicated to helping those affected from opioid misuse, McDowell said. 

“I know what motivates them is the passion to save lives and to help communities and families heal from the harm that has come about from the prescription opioid crisis,” McDowell said.

The five localities that will receive the highest percentage of opioid settlement money are Fairfax County, Virginia Beach, Henrico County, Richmond City and Chesterfield County, respectively, according to data from the state attorney general’s office.

The Virginia areas with the most opioid overdose deaths in 2021 are Petersburg, Richmond, Hopewell and Portsmouth cities and Henry County, respectively, according to a VDH forensic epidemiologist.

Fatal overdoses still projected to be higher than pre-pandemic

Fatal drug overdoses continue to be the leading cause of unnatural death in Virginia since 2013, followed by gun and motor vehicle-related deaths, according to recent VDH data.

Opioids, especially fentanyl, continue to drive a nearly decade-long spike in fatal overdoses. Fentanyl, prescription and illicit, contributed to over 76% of all fatal overdoses in 2021, according to VDH. 

There have been 966 fentanyl-related overdoses this year from January through June, compared to 1,034 during the same period last year, according to VDH data. That is a 6.6% decline. 

Almost 1,300 total overdoses occurred from January through the end of June, and all but 238 were opioid-related, according to analysis of the most recent VDH data. However, for the first time in roughly a 10-year period, the projected overdose deaths for the year showed a decrease.

Despite a slight decrease in projected fatal overdoses for 2022, the total deaths are over 57% higher than pre-pandemic totals.

Fatal cocaine and methamphetamine overdoses increased in recent years, according to VDH. Last year, fatal overdoses involving methamphetamine and cocaine escalated by 42% and 24%, respectively.

Fentanyl, often unknown to the buyer, is mixed with other drugs as a way to increase potency. Fentanyl was found in over 84% of the 801 fatal cocaine overdoses in 2021, according to VDH. Fentanyl was found in almost 66% of fatal methamphetamine overdoses in 2021.

Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approved for treating severe pain. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most fentanyl connected to overdoses is illegally made. For perspective, the amount of fentanyl that can prove fatal could fit on the tip of a pencil, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

More funding and services needed

Christopher Ronquest is the assistant director of operations at McShin Recovery Resource Foundation, a Henrico County-based organization that provides recovery services. Opioid misuse numbers continue to rise in the state, Ronquest said, and more services and more funding are needed. 

There are 1,029 beds available for people seeking recovery in Virginia, Ronquest said. McShin provides 145 beds, he said. There were roughly 10,000 emergency room visits across the state for opioid misuse in 2021, Ronquest said, but McShin only served 498 participants. Almost 400 were new participants, according to data from McShin.

“A whole lot of people out there need recovery and might not know about it,” Ronquest said. 

McShin was the first certified recovery community organization in Virginia when it was founded in 2004 and one of the first in the nation, Ronquest said. A distinction from a traditional rehabilitation center is the McShin peer-based recovery program format. There are 15 resident houses, with the majority located in Henrico County. 

McShin has two 28-day intensive residential program houses, one located in Henrico County for males and females, and a women’s recovery house in Chesterfield County, Ronquest said. The foundation does not require insurance, and funding assistance is available for individuals who cannot pay for their recovery, he said.

“The whole idea is to teach people how to get off drugs and alcohol, and then show them a life that is attractive enough to stay off drugs and alcohol,” Ronquest said.

“It’s everywhere”

Elizabeth Powell has been sober for 22 years and is a certified peer recovery specialist with Richmond City Health District. Powell formerly used crack cocaine, she said. Powell works directly with individuals and communities to provide information about available recovery options. She gets alerts when overdoses occur and responds to the scene to provide support and distributes Narcan. 

“They can contact someone like me that has a lived experience,” Powell said. 

The number of individuals affected by opioid misuse is startling, Powell said, and many have limited access to recovery facilities to treat opioid addiction. A good way for individuals to learn about recovery is first “just knowing it exists,” she said

“I honestly believe in starting with first responders and working with the hospitals, so they can give that information out to these individuals when they do have overdoses, and go out into the community,” Powell said. “I guess just getting out there with outreach is the best way.”

The drug doesn't discriminate and addiction is “everywhere,” she said.

“It’s out in the country,” Powell said. “It’s in the city. It’s in neighborhoods.

RICHMOND, VA- Dr. Charlie Broaddus, State Veterinarian with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), has issued a permit to Nicolas "Santa" Claus, of the North Pole, to bring his herd of "eight tiny reindeer" and one additional rare, red-nosed reindeer into Virginia on the evening of Dec. 24. While the USDA regulates the international movement of animals, the VDACS Office of Veterinary Services regulates the movement of animals into the Commonwealth of Virginia. DWR is charged with the management of the state's wildlife resources. 

All ruminants entering Virginia must bear identification, and the identification number must be noted on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). Identification can be an ear tag issued by a state or federal entity, or other forms of identification approved by the State Veterinarian, and is critically important in tracing animals in the event of a significant disease outbreak. As the importation of deer into Virginia is generally prohibited, the State Veterinarian collaborated with DWR to issue the permit. A DWR permit is required to possess any member of the deer family in Virginia. 

"Santa travels to Virginia each year with his herd of reindeer, and while his visit is brief, it is still vitally important to Virginia's agricultural industry that the reindeer are safe and healthy. Santa takes great care of his herd, and I am happy to issue an approved permit," said Dr. Broaddus. 

In discussing this approval, Santa said, "I love delivering Christmas presents to the Commonwealth. Virginia farmers produce some of the best products in the world. I especially enjoy the milk and eggnog and my reindeer really love Virginia Grown carrots and apples." 

$382.9 Million in Loans to Support VA's Economy

Virginia– The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Virginia-Richmond District Office announced today Fiscal Year 2022 (October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022) summary loan data. The Virginia-Richmond District Office services 92 counties in Virginia, excluding Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church.

Loans via SBA 7(a), 504, and microloan programs in Virginia totaled 742 and $382.9 million. In Fiscal Year 2022, SBA's flagship 7(a) loan program made 513 7(a) loans to Virginia small businesses totaling approximately $292.6 million. The 504 Loan Program (SBA and third-party lenders, combined) reported more than $203.8 million in lending to Virginia small businesses. The Microloan Program, which specifically helps businesses in underserved communities, reported $ $1,987,870 in lending for the areas covered by the Virginia-Richmond District Office. 

"The recent numbers are indicative of our efforts to support small businesses in the Virginia counties and cities we serve. Our goal is to make access to capital a cornerstone for small businesses," said SBA Virginia Deputy District Director Shirelle Taliaferro.

SBA's 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program is the SBA's primary financial assistance instrument. It provides loan guaranties on business loans to help qualifying entrepreneurs secure financing on reasonable terms. The program operates through private-sector lenders who provide loans. SBA's 504 Program provides growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings.

"We're seeing a healthy doubling down by investors and community stakeholders on small businesses," said SBA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator John Fleming. "More capital is flowing to American small businesses due to improved opportunities thanks to historic bi-partisan policies created under the Biden Administration and President Biden's commitment to strengthen equitable access to capital through SBA."

Nationally, SBA announced the agency reached $43 billion in Fiscal Year 2022 funding with more than 62,000 loans.

Mrs. Councill’s Kindergarten Class

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Holden and I am 5 years old.  I live in McKenney, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Star Wars Nerf Gun

#2.  T-Rex Dinosaur

#3.  Hot Wheels Set

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Holden Clay

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Beck and I am 5 years old.  I live in Lawrenceville, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Monopoly Game

#2.  Hot Wheels Monster Truck Raceway

#3.  Imaginext Scooby-Doo Haunted Ghost Town

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Beck Daniel

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Oaklen and I am 5 years old.  I live in Emporia, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Remote Control Grave Digger

#2.  A Ride on Tractor

#3.  Magnets like Mrs. Councill has.

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Oaklen Lynch

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Landen and I am 6 years old.  I live in Brodnax, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  A Real Cow

#2.  A puppy

#3.  The Strongest Nerf Gun Ever

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Landen Rethman

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Owen and I am 6 years old.  I live in Bracey, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Stuffed Panda

#2.  Reindeer Toy

#3.  Big Dinosaur

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Owen Wright

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Madison and I am 5 years old.  I live in Stony Creek, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Barbie Dream House

#2.  Unicorn Alarm Clock

#3.  My own Christmas Tree for my room.

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Madison Abernathy

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Brinley and I am 5 years old.  I live in McKenney, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Little Live Pets Guinea Pig Surprise

#2.  New Stuffed Pig

#3.  Squishies

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Brinley Bunch

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Kaci and I am 5 years old.  I live in Valentines, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Santa Doll

#2.  Toy Reindeer

#3.  Santa Squishmallow

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Kaci Clary

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Alison and I am 6 years old.  I live in Littleton, North Carolina.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  LOL Dream House

#2.  A watch that plays games.

#3.  Kinetic Sand Swirl Kit

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Alison Daniel

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Lily and I am 5 years old.  I live in Henrico, North Carolina.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Little Live Pets Parrot

#2.  Pink Yo-yo

#3.  Princess Scooter

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Lily Hawley

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Ginger and I am 5 years old.  I live in Bracey, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Beagle Puppy

#2.  Magnets like Mrs. Councill has.

#3.  Alphabet tubs

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Ginger King

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Addie and I am 5 years old.  I live in Emporia, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Real Guinea Pig

#2.  Big Stuffed Panda

#3.  Real puppies that don’t have their eyes open yet

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Addie Marrs

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is River and I am 5 years old.  I live in Emporia, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Toy Kitchen

#2.  Real Make-up Set

#3.  Barbie Car

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

River Rawls

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Aurora and I am 5 years old.  I live in Emporia, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Kitchen Play-Doh Set

#2.  Pink Princess Dress & Crown

#3.  Pink Shoes

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Aurora Sturgeon

Mrs. Buchanan’s 1^st Grade Class

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Weston and I am 6 years old.  I live in Lawrenceville, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  A Dirt Bike

#2.  A Bone for my Dog

#3.  A Nerf Gun

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Weston Baird

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Garrett and I am 6 years old.  I live in South Hill, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Nerf Crusher

#2.  I want to see Clark.

#3.  A VR Head Set

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Garrett Betts

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Connor and I am 6 years old.  I live in Dolphin, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Minecraft Cat Stuffy

#2.  Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage

#3.  Hot Wheels Spiral Speed Crash

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Connor Lucy

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Jackson and I am 7 years old.  I live in Warfield, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Tamagotchi

#2.  Candy

#3.  Surprise

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Jackson Martin

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Hadley and I am 7 years old.  I live in Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Dog

#2.  Gerbils

#3.  Minecraft Cat Stuffy

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Hadley Daniel

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Ava and I am 7 years old.  I live in Warfield, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  A Moxy Doll

#2.  Ugly Dolls Village

#3.  Stuffed Penguin

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Ava Martin

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Annabelle and I am 6 years old.  I live in South Hill, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Perfume

#2.  A Balance Beam

#3.  A Gymnastic Bar

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Annabelle Smith

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Gracelyn and I am 6 years old.  I live in White Plains, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  A Magic Mixie

#2.  Fake Earrings

#3.  A Toy Kitchen

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Gracelyn Tucker

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Breelyn and I am 6 years old.  I live in Jarratt, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Cat & Dog Squishmallow

#2.  Magic Mixie

#3.  Real Clip-on Earrings

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Breelyn Temple

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Alice Ann and I am 7 years old.  I live in Alberta, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Perfume

#2.  Fake Earrings

#3.  All of the Rainbow High Dolls

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Alice Ann Bishop

Ms. Caldwell’s 1^st Grade Class

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Liam and I am 6 years old.  I live in Freeman, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Big Truck

#2.  Nerf Gun

#3.  Nintendo Switch

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Liam Crowder

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Tuck and I am 6 years old.  I live in White Plains, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Xbox Games

#2.  New Basketball

#3.  NFL Football

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Tuck Hall

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Weston and I am 6 years old.  I live in Jarratt, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Game Station

#2.  The Hunter: Call of the Wild

#3.  Gaming Chair

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Weston Joyner

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is R J and I am 6 years old.  I live in Alberta, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Remote Control Car

#2.  Telescope

#3.  Trampoline

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

RJ O’Connor

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Lucy and I am 7 years old.  I live in Dolphin, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Kinetic Sand Kit

#2.  Tablet

#3.  Fluffy Robe

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Lucy Alexanders

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Haley and I am 6 years old.  I live in McKenney, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  A Teal Bike

#2.  A Sleep Mask

#3.  A Red Hen

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Haley Maass

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Kensleigh and I am 6 years old.  I live in Boydton, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Barbie Helicopter

#2.  Toy phone

#3.  Music Headphones

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Kensleigh Moseley

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Cora and I am 6 years old.  I live in South Hill, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Disney Mini Brand Store Kit

#2.  American Girl Doll

#3.  Gabby’s Doll House

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Cora Randolph

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Charlee and I am 7 years old.  I live in Lawrenceville, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Art Supplies

#2.  New Bike

#3.  New Clothes & Shoes

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Charlee Reams

Dear Santa,

Hello! My name is Rylenn and I am 6 years old.  I live in Jarratt, Virginia.  I have been very good this year and have been thinking of what I would like for Christmas.

#1.  Earrings

#2.  Magic School Bus Books

#3.  Surprises

I am very excited for your visit and will leave out some snacks for you and your reindeer.

Love,

Rylenn Veliky

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for December 2022, which are effective Dec. 1, 2022. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.

Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans

FSA offers farm ownership and operating loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. FSA also offers emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters or quarantine.  For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for underserved producers, including veterans, beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for December 2022 are as follows:

• Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 5.125%
• Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 5.000%
• Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 3.000%
• Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 1.500%
• Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750 %

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders. To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans

Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.

• Commodity Loans (less than one year disbursed): 5.625%
• Farm Storage Facility Loans:
  • Three-year loan terms: 4.375%
  • Five-year loan terms: 4.125%
  • Seven-year loan terms: 4.125%
  • Ten-year loan terms: 4.000%
  • Twelve-year loan terms: 4.125%
• Sugar Storage Facility Loans (15 years): 4.250%

Pandemic and Disaster Support

FSA broadened the use of the Disaster Set Aside (DSA), normally used in the wake of natural disasters, to allow farmers with USDA farm loans who are affected by COVID-19, and are determined eligible, to have their next payment set aside. Because of the pandemic’s continued impacts, producers can apply for a second DSA for COVID-19 or a second DSA for a natural disaster for producers with an initial DSA for COVID-19. The COVID-DSA is available for borrowers with installments due before Dec. 31, 2022, and whose installment is not more than 90 days past due when the DSA request is made. The set-aside payment’s due date is moved to the final maturity date of the loan or extended up to 12 months in the case of an annual operating loan. Any principal set-aside will continue to accrue interest until it is repaid. Use of the expanded DSA program can help to improve a borrower’s cashflow in the current production cycle.

FSA also reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the year’s winter storms, drought, hurricanes and other natural disasters that USDA has programs that provide assistance. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are prepared to deliver a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to agricultural producers and impacted communities. Many programs are available without an official disaster designation, including several risk management and disaster recovery options.

Inflation Reduction Act Assistance for Distressed Producers

On August 16, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law. It is a historic, once-in-a-generation investment and opportunity for the agricultural communities that USDA serves. Section 22006 of the IRA provided $3.1 billion for USDA to provide relief for distressed borrowers with certain FSA direct and guaranteed loans and to expedite assistance for those whose agricultural operations are at financial risk. USDA has allocated up to $1.3 billion for initial steps to help these distressed borrowers. This includes both automatic and case-by-case assistance. For more information producers can contact their local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov/inflation-reduction-investments/assistance.

More Information

Producers can explore available options on all FSA loan options at fsa.usda.gov or by contacting their local USDA Service Center.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit http://www.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

The 4th Congressional District Committee will hold an unassembled caucus on Tuesday, December 20, 6am to 7pm at the following locations:

● Brunswick Conference Center - 100 Athletic Field Rd, Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868
● Charles City Government Center - 10900 Courthouse Road, Charles City, VA 23030
● Dogtown Dance Studio - 109 W 15th St, Richmond, VA 23224
● Diversity Richmond - 1407 Sherwood Ave, Richmond, VA 23220
● IBEW Local 666 - 1390 E Nine Mile Rd, Highland Springs VA 23075
● Meadowdale Library - 4301 Meadowdale Blvd, North Chesterfield, VA 23234
● Surry Parks & Recreation Center - 205 Enos Farm Drive, Surry, VA 23883
● Tabernacle Baptist Church - 444 Halifax St, Petersburg, VA 23803

All caucus locations will be open from 6:00 am until the last person in line at 7:00 pm has voted.

Anyone who considers themselves a Democrat and is a registered voter in the 4th District can cast their ballot at any of the locations. Voters will need to bring one of the same methods of identification that are required to vote in a normal state-run election.

Click/tap here for more information about the caucus. Any of the forms of identification required to vote on Election Day will be needed to vote.

What Democrats are running:

DEMOCRATS

Lamont Bagby

Delegate Lamont Bagby officially announced his run on December 12. Bagby currently represents the 74th House District.

“I’m running to continue the legacy, “I’m running to make sure that we continue to do the work on education, focus on voting rights, focus on running, we ran predatory lenders out of Virginia, now it’s time to run them out of America.”

Jennifer McClellan

Delegate Jennifer McClellan announced her campaign on December 13.McClellan currently represents the state Senate’s 9th.

“For the past 16 years, I’ve served the people of Virginia in the General Assembly and passed major laws to protect abortion rights, safeguard voting rights and tackle climate change. Now, I’m running for Congress to continue my friend Donald McEachin’s legacy of serving the people of Virginia and making sure their voices are heard in Washington, D.C.”

Joe Morrissey

State Senator Joe Morrissey said he was running for the seat on Devember 14. Morrissey currently represents the state’s 16th District,

“I am running because I know that I can continue my work on the federal level with criminal justice reform, cleaning up our environment, expanding access to healthcare, and making housing more affordable,”

Joseph Preston

Attorney Joseph Preston, who believes there should be a debate before the caucus is a former member of the House of Delegates

Tavorise Marks

Tavorise K. Marks is thefounder of Commonwealth Equal and has also announced his campaign.

“The 4th Congressional district deserves a proven fighter, advocate and activist to be their next representative in DC,” he said in a Twitter post.

Elliott Cox

Social Worker Elliott Cox,  is running. with a focus is on disparities in mental health treatment.

REPUBLICAN CANVASS

Republicans will hold a Congressional District Party Canvass to select its nominee on Saturday, December 17. Anyone who considers themselves a Republican and is a registered voter in the 4th District may participate in the canvass between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Life Christian Academy at 1211 Boulevard in Colonial Heights.Voters will be asked to rank all candidates on the ballot in order of their preference.

The republicans currently in the race are:

Leon Benjamin

Leon Benjamin, the Republican who lost to McEachin in November, is running again for the seat.

“We have plenty of stuff to do in this very short time. We are all hands on deck and we are asking for everyone’s prayers and their help,”  the father of three, who was born in Richmond and is a retired as a Navy pilot.

On election night, he received about 35% of the vote, and had lost to Donald McEachjin once before.

Dale Sturdifen

Former Mecklenburg County School Board chairman, Dale Sturdifen, is filing his paperwork to run.

Reimagined Website Prioritizes Customer Experience

Visitors to SSA.gov will experience a fresh homepage and a new design to help them find what they need more easily.

“SSA.gov is visited by over 180 million people per year and it is one of our most important tools for providing efficient and equitable access to service,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. “Whether providing service in person or online, our goal is to help people understand what they may qualify for and seamlessly transition them to an application process.”  Improved self-service capability allows people to skip calling or visiting an office, which helps Social Security staff focus on those visitors who need in-person assistance.

Part of ongoing efforts to improve how the public can do business with the agency, the redesign is intended to provide a clear path to the tasks customers need to accomplish. Many of the most visited sections of SSA.gov are now live with a more user-friendly and task-based approach. New pages and improvements based on public feedback will continue to be unveiled in the coming months.

Visitors to SSA.gov can use interactive tools to:

Check eligibility for benefits

The new benefit eligibility screener is a convenient and simple way for people to learn if they might be eligible for benefits.

Save time on Social Security Number (SSN) and card online services

If a person loses their SSN card, they may not need a replacement.  In most cases, simply knowing their SSN is enough.  If a person does need a replacement card, they may be able to request it online by visiting www.ssa.gov/ssnumber. Individuals can also start an application for an updated card or request an SSN for the first time.  People may never need to visit an office and, if they do need to visit an office to complete the application, they will save a lot of time by starting online.

Start an application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

People can start the application process online and request an appointment to apply for SSI benefits by answering a few questions at www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/.   

Apply for Social Security benefits and other online services

For most benefits, people can apply online or start an application online. In many cases, there are no forms to sign. The agency will review the application and reach out with questions or for more information. Visit www.ssa.gov/onlineservices to apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare.

Many Social Security services do not require the public to take time to visit an office.  Using a my Social Security account, a personalized online service, people can start or change direct deposit, or request a replacement SSA-1099. For individuals already receiving Social Security benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter if they need proof of their benefits. 

People not yet receiving benefits can use their online account to get a personalized Social Security Statement, which provides their earnings information as well as estimates of their future benefits.  The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services. The agency encourages people without a my Social Security account to create one today at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.

by Casey Quinlan, Virginia Mercury
December 12, 2022

Starting next month, a $35 cap on insulin prices will go into effect for millions of Medicare recipients. The lower pricing is one of the first of several policy measures Americans will see in the coming months and years under the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law in August.

The bill also requires pharmaceutical companies to pay Medicare rebates for drugs where prices surpass inflation for Medicare Part D and mandates that the government negotiate drug prices on some prescription drugs for people who have Medicare — the first time Medicare has been given that power. While it’s unclear how many people will ultimately benefit from the various changes, 49 million people are enrolled in Medicare Part D plans, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. 

The Medicare Part D rebates began in October. That same month, Medicare also began paying more for some biosimilar drugs to create more competition, lower the cost and improve access to those drugs for consumers. Biosimilars are drugs that are very similar to an existing drug and have an average sales price that isn’t higher than that of the other drug. 

The insulin cap that goes into effect next month benefits Medicare Part D recipients, who also no longer have to meet a deductible on their insulin. A $35 monthly cap on insulin for recipients who use insulin pumps and are covered under Medicare Part B’s durable medical equipment benefit goes into effect July 1, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Richard Frank, senior fellow in economic studies and director of the University of Southern California-Brookings Schaeffer Initiative on Health Policy, said there are a couple reasons that the law reduces the cost for insulin before other measures.

“The whole history of health reform in this country is that you really want to try to frontload real benefits to real people. And insulin, because of the relative technical simplicity, is a great place for that right away. You give sick people who really need the help, and where there’s been a lot of crazy cost-sharing for patients, earlier, so the benefits of the legislation start to become apparent pretty quickly,” he said.

Medicare patients spent $1 billion on insulin in 2020, according to Kaiser Family Foundation, and an estimated 16.5% of people with diabetes rationed their insulin in the past year, which can be extremely harmful to their health, according to an Annals of Internal Medicine article published in October.

But the Health and Human Services Department’s process for negotiating drug prices will take much longer. This process will apply to certain types of drugs, including biologics, or drugs that come from biological sources like sugars or proteins that don’t have generic or biosimilar competitors, or brand-name drugs for which the company holds the patent, known as single-source drugs. Here’s the timeline:

In September, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will list the 10 Part D drugs whose negotiated prices will take effect in 2026. Negotiations will begin in October and end in August 2024, according to Kaiser Family Foundation’s timeline.  Another round of negotiations for 15 Part D drugs will start in February 2025 and end November 2025, with prices to take effect in 2027. The negotiation process for 15 Part D or Part B drugs wull start in 2026, and prices will go into effect in 2028. In 2027, 20 Part D or Part B drugs will be announced, and in 2029, those prices will hit consumers.  In 2028, 20 more Part D and Part B drugs will be chosen to be fully implemented in 2030. The last round of 20 Part B and D drugs prices will be seen in 2031.

“The bill is designed to have Medicare negotiate for the drugs that have the highest aggregate spending, so it really does give you the most bang for the buck,” said Emily Gee, vice president and coordinator for health policy at the Center for American Progress. 

The price changes should start to have a real impact on Americans in 2026. “They’ll get roughly a 30% haircut on that deductible portion of their drug in a lot of cases. Most people would notice that,” Frank said. 

According to an analysis of the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act from the Center for American Progress, an elderly middle-class couple living in Pittsburgh in which one person is diabetic and takes insulin could save $575 on insulin each year starting next year, and as much as $2,430 each year for their household — because of the $2,000 limit on annual out-of-pocket costs — beginning in 2025.

How will pharma respond?

A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report released in September showed drug companies increased prices for several drugs by more than 500% between 2016 and 2022, and some experts worry that pharmaceutical companies could find loopholes in the new law.

Juliette Cubanski, deputy director for the program on Medicare policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation, said there may not be very much drug companies can do to stop being selected for the first negotiation process at this point. But in general, they could try to put up barriers to implementation, such as raising legal challenges against the law. Cubanski said one other response could be higher launch prices for new drugs. 

“That’s just one of those side effects from this legislation that we can’t really control in this country because we don’t have any sort of organized approach to setting the price of drugs the way that other countries do,” Cubanski said. “The Inflation Reduction Act provisions are expected to be helpful at constraining the growth in drug prices for existing drugs, but (the law) doesn’t have any provisions in it to limit the level at which drug prices are set for new drugs coming to market.”

The government can only negotiate for drugs that have been on the market for a certain number of years – nine years for small molecule drugs, typically pills, including some cancer treatments, and 13 for biologics, which use living cells and are difficult and more expensive to manufacture.

“I think there is an effort by pharmaceutical companies to bring innovative products to the market because there is, I think, a recognition among the pharmaceutical industry that that is where they have kind of the upper hand in prices and price negotiations — when we’re talking about drugs that are truly unique and innovative and don’t have competitor products,” Cubanski said.

She added that the possibilities of how drug companies could respond are largely unknowable at this point, however, because there is still so much to be done on the policy level. 

They could also try to take their financial burden to the private insurance market or use citizen petitions to try to halt generic drugs from being approved by the FDA, at least for a while, NBC News reported. 

Gee said she sees those messages about cost-shifting or raising launch prices as a scare tactic from pharmaceutical companies and said there isn’t really anything holding them back from raising prices now.

“But there’s very little discipline for them now because the market is so concentrated,” she said. “If they could raise their price another $10, why wouldn’t they do that now? It’s hard to see why they would be leaving money on the table today.”

Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sarah Vogelsong for questions: info@virginiamercury.com. Follow Virginia Mercury on Facebook and Twitter.

The employees from Gerdau steel mill in Petersburg donated funds to Jackson-Field Behavioral Health Services (JFBHS) to directly benefit its children.

JFBHS is a residential psychiatric treatment program serving children with severe mental illness and/or substance use disorder. The funds will be used for a variety of uses that directly help children struggling with mental illness.

Nadia Fruchey, People Manager at Gerdau noted that their team is dedicated to community service and improving the lives of its members.

Gerdau (pronounced “Grr-DOW) is the leading producer of long steel in the Americas and one of the world’s largest suppliers of special steel. Each year Gerdau recycles millions of tons of scrap steel into steel products, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development in the regions it operates. Gerdau’s North American long steel division manufacturers products for construction, automotive, agricultural and energy markets.

Employees at the Petersburg plant have been supporters and friends of Jackson-Field for many years, and their gifts of time and money are much appreciated.