Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments (If He Could Only Maintain A Few People)

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced additional appointments to his administration today. The appointees will join McAuliffe’s administration focused on finding common ground with members of both parties on issues that will build a new Virginia economy and create more jobs across the Commonwealth.

Secretariat of Veterans and Defense Affairs

John Newby, Commissioner, Department of Veterans Services

John L. Newby II served as Virginia’s Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs.  Son of a retired Army Sergeant Major from Isle of Wight County, Mr. Newby served in Iraq as an aviator aboard the Boeing B-1B Lancer strategic bomber and commanded an Air Force special operations forward air control unit supporting the U.S. Army’s 3rd and 7thSpecial Forces Groups (Airborne). Following his military service, Mr. Newby served as an attorney at private sector law firms and an international defense contractor, where he specialized in government contracts, intellectual property and cyber security matters. He also served as a member of former Senator Jim Webb’s Service Academy Selection Board. As Deputy Secretary, Mr. Newby assised the Secretary with oversight of all veteran-related issues in Virginia, and supports Governor McAuliffe’s initiatives focused on relationship building with our nation’s military services and our active duty military communities. Mr. Newby received his commission and Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy, and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law.  He, his wife Reba and daughter Jillian reside in Richmond.

Secretariat of the Commonwealth

Board Appointments

Advisory Board for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing

• Shantell Lewis AuD, CCC-A* of Richmond, Audiologist, Virginia Professional Hearing Healthcare Center and Virginia Professional Hearing Aid Center
• Deborah L. Pfeiffer, EdD* of Yorktown, Director, Outreach Services, Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind

Board of Trustees of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

• Paul D. Koonce* of Richmond, CEO, Energy Infrastructure Group, Dominion Virginia Power
• Nancy Robertson McNerney of McLean, Owner, McNerney Picklers, LLC
• Fred D. Thompson, Jr.* of Ashburn, Chief Administrative Officer, Thompson Hospitality

State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind and Vision Impaired

• John C. Bailey* of Fairfax, past President, Fairfax Chapter, National Federation of the Blind, software developer and specialist on anti-terrorism applications,  ManTech International, Inc.
• Wanda Barnes Council of Newport News, Education Coordinator/Specialist for Special Education, Virginia Department of Education
• Isaac Crisp of Toano, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
• Valerie Augburn Walker* of Newport News, Real Estate Analyst, City of Virginia Beach

Statewide Independent Living Council

• Mary-Margaret Cash of Bon Air, Assistant Commissioner for Community Based Services, Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services
• Christopher O. Grandle of Stuarts Draft,  Senior Engineer, Materials and Components Engineering, Northrop Grumman Maritime Systems Division
• Cindy Gwinn of Chesterfield, Community Resource Manager, Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist and Individual & Family Support Program, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
• Ivy Kennedy of Virginia Beach, Disability Advocate, Moms in Motion
• Ronald L. Lanier of Richmond, Agency Director, Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
• Dr. Rick Mitchell, CRC, Deputy Commissioner for Services, Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
• Petrina Thomas of Culpeper, Consumer Directed Service Facilitator disAbility Resource Center, Fredericksburg
• Bernard R. Werwie, Jr. of Fredericksburg, Contract Specialist, Defense Logistics Agency Aviation

Veterans Services Foundation

• Kathleen Levingston of Chesapeake, Assistant Professor and Faculty Advisor for the Student Veterans Association, Old Dominion University

Virginia Board for Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

• Sandra Baynes of Chesapeake, CEO/CFO, Retnauer Baynes Associates, L.L.C.
• Erich J. Fritz of Richmond, Nuclear Safety Analysis Engineer, Dominion Resources, Inc.
• Gene E. Magruder of Newport News, Tradesman, Newport News Shipbuilding and Member, Board for Contractors

Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth

• Valerie L. Bowman, MD, FAAP of Richmond, Pediatrician, Developmental Assessment Clinic Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital
• Glory Gill, RN of Hampton, School Nurse, Hampton City Schools; Member, Virginia School Nurses’ Association
• Sarah Bedard Holland of Richmond, Executive Director, Virginia Oral Health Coalition
• Ritsu Kuno, MD, FCCP of Midlothian, Pulmonary Associates of Richmond, Inc.
• Robert Leek* of Williamsburg, Senior Physician Liaison, Sentara Healthcare
• Sarah Tollison Melton, PharmD* of Bristol, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University
• Kristina N. Powell, MD of Williamsburg, Pediatric Associates of Williamsburg; Member, Virginia Academy of Pediatrics
• Vineeta Shah, MHS, RD of Richmond, Independent Consultant, Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School, Virginia Commonwealth University

Related articles

• Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments (They Just Keep Leaving)
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments (Updated)
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program Reaches Major Milestone
• Governor McAuliffe Accepts Commissioner Paul Galanti's Resignation as Commissioner, Department of Veterans Services
• Virginia Moves to End Veteran Homelessness by the End of 2015

Leaders Applaud Governor McAuliffe’s Efforts to Curtail Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse in Virginia

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Governor Terry McAuliffe today signed Executive Order 29 establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse.  The task force will recommend immediate steps to address a growing and dangerous epidemic of prescription opioid and heroin abuse in the Commonwealth.

This executive order has received praise from leaders across the Commonwealth:

  

Attorney General Mark Herring:

"Too many families are losing loved ones and too many communities across Virginia are confronting a terrible rise in opiate and heroin abuse and overdose fatalities. The Governor's task force, along with efforts initiated by my office and the outstanding work of local law enforcement, shows that the Commonwealth is taking this problem seriously and responding aggressively. It will take a combination of prosecution, treatment, education, and prevention to turn the tide, and strong partnerships between federal, state, and local authorities, and the recommendations of this important task force, will be key."

Senator Don McEachin, Henrico:

"I commend the governor's initiative on heroin and prescription drug abuse -- problems that have brought terrible pain and cost to Virginia families. Attorney General Herring also recently announced a plan to address these  issues; I look forward to working with both the governor and the attorney general to remedy these problems."

Senator Bill Carrico, Grayson:

“I applaud Governor McAuliffe for his actions today to make Virginia communities safer and healthier. The creation of this task force is a significant step towards curtailing prescription drug and heroin abuse in the Commonwealth.”

Delegate John O’Bannon, Henrico:

                                                    

“I commend Governor McAuliffe for tackling this issue head on and I am in complete agreement that Virginia must curtail this unfortunate epidemic. The steps the governor announced today will put Virginia on a pathway toward building safer and healthier communities."

Delegate Keith Hodges, Middlesex:

“As a practicing pharmacist and legislator, I am proud of this bipartisan effort to address the prescription drug and heroin abuse epidemic.  Governor McAuliffe’s multi-faceted approach will go a long way in curbing this epidemic and ensuring the future health and safety of our families, communities and neighborhoods.”

Related articles

• Governor McAuliffe Announces Members of the Governor's Task Force on Combating Campus Sexual Violence
• Leaders Applaud McAuliffe for Executive Order Expanding Opportunity for Small, Women, and Minority Owned Businesses
• Virginia Leaders Applaud Executive Order on Workforce Development
• Virginia Leaders Applaud Governor and Attorney General's Efforts to Combat Sexual Violence on College Campuses
• Governor McAuliffe Statement on Ruling in Bostic v. Rainey Case
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Commission to Ensure Integrity and Public Confidence in State Government

Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order Establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Governor Terry McAuliffe today signed Executive Order 29 establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse.  The task force will recommend immediate steps to address a growing and dangerous epidemic of prescription opioid and heroin abuse in the Commonwealth.  The order asks the task force to suggest strategies that will raise public awareness about the dangers of misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, train health care providers on best practices for pain management, identify treatment options and alternatives to incarceration for people with addiction, and promote the safe storage and disposal of prescription drugs.  The task force will also seek to expand use of the rescue drug, naloxone, which has been shown to prevent death from overdose, and leverage the Prescription Monitoring Program to reduce abuse of prescription drugs.  Overall, through these efforts, the task force will seek a measurable reduction in deaths from prescription drug and heroin abuse.

“Prescription painkiller and heroin abuse is a nationwide problem, and is spreading rapidly across the Commonwealth,” said Governor McAuliffe.“We must take immediate action in Virginia, or these terrible trends will continue to ravage our families, our businesses and our economy.  As part of my plan, A Healthy Virginia, I am creating this statewide task force so we can identify and implement strategies that will prevent drug abuse and help people with addiction get the treatment they need to recover.  I am confident that by working together to address this growing problem we will be able to make our communities safer, save lives, and put us on a pathway toward building a new Virginia economy.”

Governor McAuliffe was joined by Senator Tim Kaine at the announcement, who noted: “I am grateful to Governor McAuliffe for forming a task force to address the prescription drug and heroin abuse epidemic that is threatening the health and safety of our communities. This summer, I witnessed firsthand the impact of addiction and the importance of recovery as I spoke with Virginians across the Commonwealth, including at a drug court graduation in Salem and a Project REVIVE training session in Lebanon. I’m proud to see Virginia taking innovative approaches to combat this crisis and I am committed to being a partner at the federal level.”

The Task Force will be co-chaired by Dr. Bill Hazel, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, and Brian Moran, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, and will be composed of representatives from the Office of the Attorney General, the legislature, and the judiciary, as well as relevant state and local agencies, law enforcement, health professionals, community advocates, and individuals with personal experience with addiction.

“We recognize that we cannot simply arrest our way out of the serious opioid and heroin problem we face,” stated Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran.  “Using a collaborative approach that addresses public health and public safety, we can save lives, reduce crime and target scarce law enforcement resources on dealers and traffickers”

Secretary of Health and Human Resources Bill Hazel added: “Health care providers have been effectively engaged in the effort to discourage misuse of prescription opioids.  The rise of heroin abuse should not discourage us, but inspire us to work harder, in coordination with our partners to prevent heroin addiction and overdose death. The work we began last year to reduce prescription drug abuse offers a sound foundation for our future efforts.”

The full text of Executive Order 29 is below.

NUMBER TWENTY NINE (2014)

ESTABLISHING THE GOVERNOR’S TASK FORCE ON

PRESCRIPTION DRUG AND HEROIN ABUSE

            Nationally, prescription drug and heroin abuse has reached epidemic proportions. Since 2000, deaths from prescription drug overdoses in Virginia have more than doubled, while deaths from heroin overdoses have doubled in the past two years. Though prescription drugs are generally safe when used as prescribed, the misuse and abuse of prescription painkillers (opioids) can lead to addiction, and even death. In addition, individuals that are addicted to opioids are shifting to heroin, as prescription drugs become less available.

            Prescription opioid and heroin abuse has also led to an increased burden on law enforcement and elevated health care costs from drug-related emergency department visits and treatment admissions. While the numbers of Virginians requiring treatment for addiction to drugs are substantial, resources for treating those who are addicted are limited. It is vital to the Commonwealth’s interests to take immediate steps to reverse this dangerous trend of abuse. Therefore, I am directing relevant state and local agencies, health and behavioral health care professionals and organizations, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to work together toward reducing prescription opioid and heroin addiction, curtailing related criminal activity, and enhancing the health, safety, and well-being of all Virginians.

Establishment of the Task Force

            Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including, but not limited to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the Governor’s Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse (“Task Force”).

            The Task Force will serve in an advisory role, in accordance with § 2.2-2100 of the Code of Virginia, and will be responsible for recommending short-term and long-term measures that can be taken to tackle prescription drug and heroin abuse and addiction, using best practices and evidence-based strategies.

Composition of the Task Force

            The Secretary of Health and Human Resources and Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security will serve as Co-Chairs. The Task Force will be composed of representatives from the Office of the Attorney General, legislature, and judiciary, as well as relevant state and local agencies, law enforcement, health and behavioral health care professionals, providers, community advocates, and individuals with personal experience, as appointed by the Governor. The Governor may appoint any other person(s) deemed necessary and proper to carry out the assigned functions.

Key Objectives

            The Task Force will offer recommendations to meet the Commonwealth’s objectives listed under the following five major areas: 1) education, 2) treatment, 3) data and monitoring, 4) drug storage and disposal, and 5) enforcement. 

            The Task Force will also recommend specific metrics to be used to track progress in each of these five areas, and will suggest a target for each area with a date by which the goals should be met.

Overall, the Task Force will seek measures for the reduction in deaths from prescription drug and heroin abuse within 5 years.

1.     Education

·       Raise public awareness about the dangers of misuse and abuse of prescription drugs

·       Distribute information about appropriate use, secure storage, and disposal of prescription drugs

·       Train health care providers regarding best practices for opioid prescribing, pain management, the use of the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP), and identification and treatment of individuals at risk of substance abuse through screening, intervention, and referral tools

·       Train first responders to more effectively respond to calls involving overdose, and use evidence-based interventions to reduce overdose deaths

2.     Treatment

·       Improve access to and availability of treatment services

·       Foster best practices and adherence to standards for treatment of individuals addicted to opioids

·       Strengthen and expand the capacity of Virginia’s health workforce to respond to substance abuse treatment needs, including encouraging health professions schools and continuing education programs to provide more education about how to identify and treat substance abuse

3.     Data and Monitoring

·       Share and integrate data among relevant licensing boards, state and local    agencies, law enforcement, courts, health care providers and organizations,     and programs such as the PMP, in order to clarify and address public safety and public health concerns, understand emerging trends, and utilize data-driven decision-making to mitigate harm 

4.     Storage and Disposal

·       Advance effective solutions that lead to safe storage and proper disposal of potentially dangerous prescription drugs

5.     Enforcement

·       Identify and promote evidence-based best practices and strategies across the criminal justice system to address public safety risks and treatment needs of individuals with opioid addiction, training in the use of life saving interventions, expanded alternatives to incarceration, including drug courts, and cross-system collaboration to improve access to and the availability of treatment

Staffing

            Staff support for the Task Force will be furnished by the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, and such other agencies and offices as designated by the Governor. The Task Force will meet upon the call of the Chair at least four times per year. The Task Force will provide initial recommendations to the Governor on or before December 31, 2014, a comprehensive implementation plan by June 30, 2015, and any additional reports as necessary.

Effective Date

            This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and, pursuant to §§ 2.2-134 and   2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, shall remain in full force and effect for a year from its signing or until superseded or rescinded. 

            Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 26th day of September, 2014.

Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor

Attest:             _______________________________________

                        Levar M. Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth

Related articles

• Virginia Leaders Applaud Governor McAuliffe's Bold Efforts to Expand Health Care Services to 200,000 Virginians
• Prescription Painkillers Tagged as Gateway Drug to Heroin
• Governor McAuliffe Accepts Commissioner Paul Galanti's Resignation as Commissioner, Department of Veterans Services
• Secretary Harvey and Secretary Hazel Visit VA Medical Centers, Discuss Commonwealth's Role in Ensuring Access to Critical Services to Virginia Veterans
• Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order Establishing Inter-Agency Task Force on Worker Misclassification and Payroll Fraud
• Virginia Moves to End Veteran Homelessness by the End of 2015

Governor McAuliffe Announces Increase in Summer Meals Feeding Sites for 2014

Tomatoes (USDA OPC) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~Number of meals served during June 14 rose 22% from previous year~

Today Governor McAuliffe announced that the number of feeding sites for the national Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) increased from 1,539 in 2013 to 1,590 this year. Additionally, the number of meals served during June 2014 rose from 759,643 to 928,057, more than a 22 percent increase over the previous year.

“Summer meals services are critical components in keeping our children healthy, well fed, and ready to lead active and engaged livelihoods,” said Governor McAuliffe. “When our children have access to healthy food, they are better prepared to learn and succeed, and the Summer Meals Service Program ensures that Virginia children and families can access quality, nutritious meals even during the months when school is not in session.”

Feeding sites are located within school attendance zones where at least 50 percent of the children are eligible to receive free and reduced lunches. More than 512,000 students in Virginia public schools currently qualify.

SFSP was established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure that low income children continue to receive nutritious meals all year round. Free meals, that meet Federal nutrition guidelines, are provided to all children under the age of 18 years in areas that qualify. During the summer of 2013, approximately 3,985,805 meals were served during the May through August.

A number of factors helped increase participation in the SFSP this year including a partnership with the Library of Virginia, which linked the feeding program with its summer reading program in local libraries, and the robust efforts of First Lady of Virginia Dorothy McAuliffe.

“It’s exciting to know that so many more of Virginia’s children are receiving nutritious meals during the summer months when for so many a meal is not a guarantee,” said First Lady, Dorothy McAuliffe.  “It is through strong collaboration and partnerships across the Commonwealth that we can continue to see success in alleviating childhood hunger and improving access to healthful foods.”

“Summer can be the hungriest time of year for those children who rely on school meals,” said Josh Wachs, Chief Strategy Officer for Share Our Strength. “The No Kid Hungry campaign was proud to work with Governor and First Lady McAuliffe this summer to feed more kids than ever before. Their bold and innovative strategy to expand the summer meals program resulted in a huge win for kids and families across the Commonwealth.”

Governor McAuliffe and the First Lady are committed to ensuring that participation in the Summer Food Service Program continues to grow. Staff from Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will be conducting community meetings this week to strengthen the state’s partnership with sponsors and feeding site operators in efforts to expand participation in 2015. If your non-profit organization is interested in becoming a sponsor or feeding site, please contact VDH at 804-864-7800.

Related articles

• Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe and Virginia Association of Broadcasters Launch 'Feeding Virginia'
• Governor McAuliffe Celebrates New Initiative to Support State Parks
• Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, USDA Officials, Hampton Roads Leaders Kick Off Summer Meals Service
• Governor McAuliffe Embarks on Trade Mission to China and United Kingdom
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Creation of Virginia Oyster Trail
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Successful Launch of DMV/VDH Vital Records Partnership