PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY — The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has awarded a $50,000 grant for a Medical School Feasibility and Planning Study by George Mason University this month.
The Claude Moore Foundation has contributed $200,000 and Mason will cover the remaining costs and conduct the study, with preliminary results anticipated in early fall.
Prince William County holds the distinction of being home to Mason’s Science and Technology Campus inInnovation Park – the only university-anchored corporate park in Northern Virginia.
The accelerated growth in the healthcare industry in the County has driven the study, as evidenced most recently in Kaiser Permanente’s growing footprint and Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s continued expansions, along with the Novant Health UVA Health System merger.
Last year, the County’s Targeted Industry Study reaffirmed it as a choice location for a multitude of fields.
These fields include pharmaceutical research, drug development and manufacturing, medical and diagnostic devices, personalized medicine, bioinformatics, proteomics, nanotechnology, medical networks, large sports and preventative medical practices and large specialty practices, laboratory testing facilities, and health care providers focused on translational research.
The study also forecast that health expenditures are expected to reach $4.3 trillion in 2020.
Corey A. Stewart, Chairman, Prince William Board of County Supervisors said, “The benefits of a university-research based medical school here in Prince William County are profound. It will not only increase educational opportunities and high-wage jobs for our residents, thereby further strengthening our talent pipeline, but it will be a significant move forward in leveraging the synergistic business opportunities that already exist here.”
Mason’s campus in Prince William County provides several advantages as it already has a pre-med program with readily available laboratories and the classroom space needed to meet Mason’s goal of accreditation by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia in 2021, at the earliest.
An initial assessment by Mason estimated a first-year medical school class of 30 to 50 students and the engagement of 50 to 70 faculty.
The study will further define the needed investments and prospective sources of funding, as well as establish the clinical networks necessary to support the medical school.
Chris M. Price, Prince William County Deputy County Executive and Interim Executive Director, Department of Economic Development said, “This is an important initiative that supports our mission of cultivating a robust economy, driving innovation for our existing and new businesses and achieving more economic opportunities that provide quality jobs.”
The Prince William County Department of Economic Development staff will further aid the study by providing strategic plans, industry analyses, as well as engage with Mason to identify service linkages and alignments within the life science, health, information technology and related industries.
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Germanna Community College (GCC) hosted a ribbon cutting at its new Stafford expansion today, January 23, 2025. The event marked the opening of two buildings in Stafford: the Barbara J. Fried Building at 10 Center Street and the Kevin L. Dillard Health Sciences Building at 25 Center Street.
GCC was established in 1970 as part of Virginia’s Community College System and has locations in Culpeper, Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. The school’s website says over 13,000 students are enrolled.
The new expansion added 74,000 square feet to the campus with a $20 million investment. GCC plans to double enrollment in allied health services, like nursing. They will also expand their cybersecurity, IT, general education, and dual enrollment programs.
The preliminary hearing for Tryevon Davis, one of three men charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Jason Thomas Blake in Dumfries, has been delayed due to the pending completion of the Medical Examiner’s report. This critical evidence is being handled by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Northern District office.
Davis, along with Jerrome Thomas Barnes, 40, and Jackson Arthur Crisler, 30, face charges stemming from a fatal shooting on October 25, 2024. Police said Blake had gone to a residence on Cherry Hill Road in Dumfries to sell a firearm and purchase narcotics. An altercation ensued, leading to Blake being handcuffed, abducted, and taken to a secluded area along Triangle Street, where he was fatally shot. His body was discovered two days later in the backseat of his car.
The Prince William County Police Department charged Davis, 31, of Dumfries, with accessory before the fact in the commission of a felony, conspiracy to commit a felony, two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and abduction. Barnes and Crisler face additional charges, including murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. All three suspects remain in custody without bond.
The Fourth Wish Foundation will hold a special white belt graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Underground Krav Maga and Fitness in Gainesville.
The event celebrates the achievements of 54 children who have completed three months of Krav Maga training as part of the foundation’s “Healthy Kid Initiative,” a program launched in 2024 to provide extracurricular opportunities to children from financially challenged families.
“We want to ensure these children can continue with this worthy program that has already made such a positive impact on their lives,” said Sue Khalatbari, Director of The Fourth Wish Foundation. The foundation is seeking donations to sustain and expand the initiative, helping more children gain confidence, physical fitness, and critical life skills.
A debate over proposed legislation targeting panhandling in road medians sparked a spirited discussion among Stafford County Supervisors during their January 21 meeting. The proposed bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County), seeks to impose fines on motorists and pedestrians who exchange items in roadway medians to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions.
The legislation was also a topic of discussion on the Potomac Local News Podcast, where Milde elaborated on his rationale behind the bill in an interview with Publisher Uriah Kiser.
During the podcast, Milde emphasized the safety and traffic issues posed by panhandling in medians.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
