Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Social Services
 
Board
State Board of Social Services
 
chapter
Virginia Energy Assistance Program - Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) [22 VAC 40 ‑ 680]
Action Establish Year Round Energy Assistance Program & Periodic Review
Stage NOIRA
Comment Period Ended on 3/29/2023
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3/28/23  6:23 pm
Commenter: Sheronda Baylor

Year Round Energy Assistance Program Support
 

Good evening, I would like to express my support for a year-round energy assistance program. For the last 3 years I've worked as a nurse case manager, and I review assessments that include health and social determinants. I have noticed that one of the contributing factors to health decline is noncompliance of medication adherence, which is often times secondary to financial stress. I have spoken with hundreds of patients over the last 3 years that are facing difficulty paying utility bills. Resources for assistance are very scarce, and rent has increased as much as $400 a month for some of my patients. Pandemic EBT has ended, and we have noticed an increase in food pantry referrals. Offering year-round energy assistance would alleviate a great deal of financial strain for many families. Thank you.

CommentID: 214571