News from the South - Virginia News Feed

VCU Health resumes gender-affirming care — but only for some

Published

3 weeks ago

February 25, 2025

Staff Editor

virginiamercury.com – Charlotte Rene Woods – 2025-02-25 10:53:00

VCU Health resumes gender-affirming care — but only for some

by Charlotte Rene Woods, Virginia Mercury
February 25, 2025

After pausing gender-affirming care for minors amid legal uncertainty, The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU Health has resumed services — at least for existing patients.

New patients, however, are out of luck. The hospital won’t take on any new cases as legal battles continue over an executive order from President Donald Trump aimed at cracking down on such care.

Last week, the University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors grappled with the same dilemma in a closed-door meeting before ultimately landing on the same decision as VCU.

Meanwhile, Norfolk-based Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters has kept its care paused by the time of this publication.

Public hospitals have been in a limbo since Trump’s order threatened to pull federal funding from those providing gender-affirming care to transgender youth. Federal judges have blocked the order, but appeals keep hospitals on edge.

UVa’s Board of Visitors made it clear that financial risk still looms large, stating in its resolution that there “remains a significant legal uncertainty and institutional risk.”

Beyond the legal fight, doctors are bracing for another crisis — the impact on mental health.

Emails between doctors reveal hospital staff scrambling to prepare for an anticipated surge in emergency department visits and mental health crises due to the disruption in care. The correspondence, shared with The Mercury, was obtained by Sen. Danica Roem, D-Prince William, through a Freedom of Information Act request.

“I know many of us are anticipating a large spike in children who are in acute mental health crises,” wrote Dr. Frank Petruzella, division chief of emergency pediatric medicine, in an email sent shortly after Trump’s order.

Petruzella urged colleagues to act fast, calling for an emergency meeting to assess how many patients were at risk and to develop a contingency plan.

“I think we should try to get this group together in the next few days to try to get an idea of the potential scope of patients at risk, as well as to develop a contingency plan for how best to help these children,” he wrote.

Petruzella also warned that some cases could be so severe that sending patients home might not be safe. Medical staff, he said, should brace for a surge in consultation calls from families and providers seeking urgent guidance.

With transgender youth already at a hightened risk for self harm and suicidal ideation, Roem told The Mercury last week that she was heartened to see “kids-first” conversations taking place.

Although VCU Health will not offer transgender care for new patients, it has outlined a plan to offer education, counseling, and mental health services.

In an updated statement on its website Tuesday, the institution affirmed its commitment, writing, “We are grateful for your support as we navigate these times and continue to advocate with a focus on the health of our patients and providers.”

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Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com.

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News from the South - Virginia News Feed

President Trump aims to keep FBI headquarters in DC, Maryland leaders object | NBC4 Washington

Published

6 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – NBC4 Washington – 2025-03-15 22:31:28

SUMMARY: President Trump announced he is halting the relocation of the FBI headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Prince George’s County, Maryland, causing concern among local lawmakers who see it as a setback. The planned move to Greenbelt, approved over a year ago, was expected to create 30,000 jobs and boost the area’s economy. Local leaders, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, criticized Trump’s decision, stating it jeopardizes public safety and construction timelines. The current FBI building poses risks due to its deteriorating condition, and local leaders remain committed to ensuring the headquarters relocates to Maryland despite the challenges posed by the president’s remarks.

As President Donald Trump announced his intention to keep the FBI headquarters in D.C., Maryland Rep. Glenn Ivey and Gov. Wes Moore come out against the proposal. News4’s Catalina Pérez de Armiñán reports.
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Protesters on National Mall call for Trump impeachment | NBC4 Washington

Published

1 day ago

March 14, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – NBC4 Washington – 2025-03-14 19:49:35

SUMMARY: Protesters gathered on the National Mall for over four hours, many identifying as veterans angered by President Trump’s policies, particularly cuts to veterans’ services. The crowd, holding homemade signs like “No Kings, No Doge,” called for Trump’s impeachment, citing his abuse of power. Speakers, including former Capitol police officer Harry Dum, criticized Trump’s actions, particularly regarding January 6th. Organized by comedian Cliff Cash, the protest featured chants and emotional speeches, with frustration directed at politicians, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. The protest highlighted concerns over national division and the ongoing political situation.

A rally on the National Mall including mostly veterans called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump. News4’s Paul Wagner reports.
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Lisa Coons resigns as Virginia’s superintendent of public instruction

Published

1 day ago

March 14, 2025

Staff Editor

virginiamercury.com – Nathaniel Cline – 2025-03-14 17:49:00

Lisa Coons resigns as Virginia’s superintendent of public instruction

by Nathaniel Cline, Virginia Mercury
March 14, 2025

Less than two years after joining the Virginia Department of Education, Lisa Coons is out as superintendent of public instruction, after replacing former superintendent Jillian Balow.

The news of Coons’ resignation was first reported by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Chief Deputy Secretary of Education Emily Anne Gullickson will serve as acting state superintendent, the newspaper reported.

Coons joined the department on April 17, 2023 after leading Tennessee’s revisions for English Language Arts instruction. Appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, she was hired to help Virginia address low student proficiency ratings in math and reading.

Coons joined the department during a period when the Board of Education was focused on following Youngkin’s directive of “restoring excellence” in Virginia’s public schools.

The board, along with Coons, navigated a turbulent period marked by a controversial revision of Virginia’s history and social science standards, which set Virginia’s expectations for K-12 student learning in those areas. The education department also worked to enhance special education regulations and practices, after a number of complaints were filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, prompting a federal investigation.

During her tenure, the board also overhauled the standards of learning, reduced regulatory barriers, approved new laboratory schools, enhanced the public charter school review process and lowered the vacancy rate of teachers.

The governor’s office did not respond to a request for comment before press time.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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