Health and Medicine

US Senator Tim Kaine was at the Salem VA Medical Center this morning, meeting with veterans and thanking staff members during “Federal Employee Appreciation Week”. The Armed Services Committee member also spoke about a bill he is co-sponsoring that would improve a veteran’s access to mental health care. The bill would also provide access to alternative treatments like acupuncture and yoga. The junior Democratic senator says progress is being made in providing more timely care for veterans – and he opposes the privatization of VA medical services.

New River Valley Community Services is calling its upcoming public conversations on the opioid crisis “The Face of Addiction is Mine.” Its similar to the series that continues in Roanoke County tonight, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:

NRV dates: Floyd March 28, Radford April 4, Pearisburg April 11, Blacksburg April 16, Pulaski April 30.  See nrvcs.org for more information.

(AP photo)

Governor Northam is expected to sign a bill raising the age limit to 21 for purchasing tobacco or vaping products – another weapon perhaps in the fight against opioid addiction. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has more:

Complete schedule of public Community Conversations – all at 7pm:

Hidden Valley High School – March 5
William Byrd High School – March 11
Glenvar High School – March 12
Northside High School – March 25