Faith Leaders and Community Members Gather in Vigil for Virginians at Risk of Losing Health Care

Virginia Beach, VA – On Thursday evening, advocates, impacted individuals, and faith leaders gathered to hold a vigil honoring those losing their health coverage due to cuts in the Republican Tax Law. 

The event highlighted a letter signed by 12 faith leaders calling on Rep. Jen Kiggans to reverse Medicaid cuts that disproportionately harm Black families in her district, in light of her agreeing with racist remarks about Leader Hakeem Jeffries last month.

“In these hard times, we need to come together in faith, compassion, and love,” said Reverend Gary McCollum. “Tonight's vigil is about honoring the people in our communities who are living with fear and uncertainty because they may lose access to health care that they depend on. We gathered to pray and to stand with our neighbors. Our faith teaches us to care for the sick and lift up those who are struggling. As a community, we must continue to stand together, speak out, and ensure that every person is treated with dignity and has access to the care they need.”

Rev. Gary McCollum Speaking | Credit: Affordable Virginia

When Rep. Jen Kiggans voted for the Republican Tax Law, she slashed Medicaid for 260,000 Virginians who rely on it, with the cuts falling disproportionately on Black families because of long standing inequities in access to health care and economic opportunity. Over thirty percent of Black Virginians and nearly fifty percent of Black children in Virginia rely on Medicaid. 

In addition, the Trump Administration just released new Medicaid guidance that will lead to more sick people losing their coverage. The rule is likely to worsen the impacts of this law on communities and lead to even sharper loss in health coverage for Virginians. 

“Faith leaders across Hampton Roads are sending a simple message to Rep. Kiggans: words matter, but actions matter too,” said Joseph White, Organizing Director for Affordable Virginia. “Rep. Kiggans cannot claim to stand with Black families while supporting policies that take health care and food assistance away from them. This letter is a call for accountability and a call for action. Our communities deserve leaders who protect the dignity and well-being of every person they represent.”

Attendee lighting a candle. | Credit: Affordable Virginia