VCNP Richmond Region president Jeremy Kellems, MSN, NP-C, celebrates NP Week and recognizes the value of NP-delivered care in his Richmond Times-Dispatch opinion piece.
All posts by Alissa
Olivia Newby’s letter to the editor
VCNP President Dr. Olivia Newby shared her thoughts about a recent article in the Virginian-Pilot, “Patients in peril: Demand for medical services grows in Virginia but number of doctors doesn’t.” “Based on physician shortage trends, making NPs part of the solution will be essential to the health of all of Virginia’s citizens.”
Volunteers needed
The Health Wagon’s Move Mountains Medical Mission is looking for volunteers at the event in Wise, VA from Aug. 15-24. If you’re able to help, visit https://thehealthwagon.org.
The Blue Ridge Free Clinic is seeking provider volunteers for its Monday/Thursday morning and Tuesday evening clinics. Contact admin@blueridgefreeclinic.org.
Remote Area Medical needs volunteers for Virginia-area clinics – August 20 (Emporia), October 1 (Grundy), November 12 (Warsaw) and November 19 (Fishersville). Visit https://volunteer.ramusa.org/.
New nationwide crisis hotline
Beginning July 16, a new nationwide response system will be available for anyone experiencing a mental health, substance use or suicide crisis. The number for the new national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline is 988. Note that this number is not yet active in all parts of the country. Individuals can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text “HOME” to 741741.
Licensure changes coming July 1
Requirements for autonomous practice licensure are reverting to the 5-year experience requirement on July 1. Piedmont Region members Brooke Bailey and Kathryn Reid discuss the benefits of autonomous practice licensure and urge NPs to apply before regulations change in this UVAToday article.
Noteworthy NPs
Congratulations to these VCNP members on their recent accomplishments!
Tidewater Region member Deborah Gray was selected from over 200 previous U.S. Fulbright faculty scholars and researchers who applied to serve as a U.S. Fulbright Alumni Ambassador. Dr. Gray served as a Fulbright Scholar in 2018 and worked with the University of Botswana and the World Health Organization to expand the number of NPs in Africa and patient access for nursing and midwifery services globally.
In an interview with WFXR-TV, Blue Ridge Region president Judy Jenks discussed how a new law taking effect July 1 will change the way people can access medical cannabis in Virginia.
Lynchburg Region member Amy Johnson traveled to Peru in March with Virginia Tech’s VALOR leadership development program. During the two-year program, Amy visited all areas of the state to experience different aspects of the agriculture industry and meet with local, state and federal government officials to discuss policy. Amy’s doctoral work focused on farm safety and mental health concerns in farmers. She will graduate from the program in July.
Tidewater Region member Autumn Simmons received a grant from the City of Portsmouth through BBrands and Bloom Co-working for one year of rental assistance for her clinic’s office space. Autumn also received a grant through the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority for a 5K matching grant. Autumn owns Quickcare NP, an online healthcare provider.
Congratulations to the Health Wagon and its 7 NPs who treated double their average number of patients in 2021 and modified its core mission to make treatment of COVID-19 one of its four “pillars of care” along with medical, vision and dental. Southwest Region member Teresa Tyson is the Health Wagon’s president and CEO. Read more in the Bristol Herald Courier.
