The application deadline for restaurants to apply to the Stafford Cares: Supporting Restaurants and Families in Need project has been extended to March 19, 2021.

• Restaurants who wish to participate in the Stafford Cares program must complete an application online.

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism manages the first Stafford Cares project which will purchase meal cards or certificates from local restaurants and provide them to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Stafford.

This program requires Stafford restaurants to apply online.

• The deadline for that application will now close on March 19, 2021. The extension of the application deadline will allow more time for restaurants to complete the application.
• “As a federally-funded program, a DUNS number is required and we are finding our local restaurants need more time to get that in place,” said John Holden, Director of Economic Development and Tourism.

Depending on restaurant participation, Stafford County will purchase a minimum of 99 meal certificates valued at approximately $7,400 worth of meal certificates from each restaurant.

• The total number of participating restaurants will impact the number of meal cards or certificates purchased from an individual restaurant. Roughly 3,500 SNAP recipient families in Stafford County will be served by this program and receive meal cards to local restaurants.
• The minimum benefit to any SNAP recipient family is $150.

This program is funded through a $782,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

• The grant is made possible by the partnership with DHCD, Stafford County Social Services, and the Stafford County Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

Stafford Social Services Director Michael Muse adds that the “Stafford County Social Services’ mission is to strengthen the family structure while promoting self-reliance, responsibility for family, and empowerment by building on family strengths.

• We appreciate community participation and this alliance to bring revenue and meals to our community.”

Stafford Cares is a county wide initiative that includes a number of new programs and projects fostering the well-being of Stafford citizens and businesses.

• These programs are designed to help many in need, as the Stafford community recovers from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
• For more information and to apply, visit GoStaffordVA.com/Stafford-Cares.

The hospitality industry has experienced extensive economic impacts during the Coronavirus pandemic.

• In an attempt to aid Stafford local restaurants, the Stafford County Economic Development and Tourism Department in partnership with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has created the first Stafford Cares program aimed to support local restaurants and families in need.

Stafford Cares is a county-wide initiative that includes a number of new programs and projects fostering the well-being of Stafford citizens and businesses.

• The first program for Stafford Cares, “Helping Restaurants and Families in Need,” funded through a Community Development Block Grant, will purchase meal certificates from local restaurants and give them to Stafford families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Approximately 3,500 SNAP recipient families in Stafford County will be served by this program and receive meal cards to local restaurants. The minimum benefit to any SNAP recipient family is $150.

• The participation of 75 to 100 restaurants is needed for this program. Approximately $7,400 worth of meal cards or certificates will be purchased from each restaurant.
• The total number of participating restaurants will impact the number of meal cards or certificates purchased from an individual restaurant.

The direct benefit serves two audiences.

• First, Stafford restaurants will get a critical infusion of cash, attract more customers, and increase sales.
• Second, the program addresses food insecurity concerns for families in need who are part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Stafford.
• Additional indirect benefits include increased local restaurant sales, workforce retention, and increased County tax revenue. Additional meals tax revenue supports Stafford public schools.

To participate, restaurants must apply online by noon on March 8th, 2021. Click here for more information gostaffordva.com/stafford-cares-restaurant-application

The Women’s Health Center at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is proud to be recognized by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) with a Blue Distinction® Centers (BDC) for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

• Racial and ethnic disparities are persistent and widespread across maternal healthcare, primarily driven by socioeconomic status, geographic location, and implicit provider bias.
• Compared to similarly developed countries such as Canada, Germany, and Australia, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate (MMR), at approximately 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, with the MMR steadily increasing since 2000.

According to the CDC, non-Hispanic Black women are two to three times more likely to die from preventable or treatable pregnancy-related complications compared to white women.

• To help address these gaps in care and to help ensure the better health of mothers, The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association enhanced its quality evaluation for the Maternity Care program to address key factors driving the United States’ maternal health crisis.
• They include preventable or treatable pregnancy-related conditions, high utilization of Caesarean sections, and racial and ethnic disparities in maternal healthcare.

In 2018, facilities that received designations under the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program cared for more than 40% of Blue Cross and Blue Shield commercially insured women giving birth across the country.

• The Women’s Health Center at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is proud to be recognized by Anthem for meeting the rigorous BDC quality selection criteria for maternity care set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

“The Women’s Health Center is happy to receive this designation,” says Beverly Wainman, MSN, RN, Director/Patient Care Services/Nursing, “It highlights our commitment to a quality maternity experience, positive patient outcomes, and personalized care focused on our mothers and babies. Their health and safety is job #1.”

In 2020, the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care Program was expanded beyond traditional outcome measures to include assessments of internal quality improvement, data collection, and dissemination, and internal protocols that better address clinical quality and equity issues in maternity care.

• New in the evaluation cycle, facilities must collect race-ethnicity data, have a maternal quality improvement program, commence drills and simulations for adverse events, and have dedicated protocols and procedures for the management of hypertension and hemorrhage.
• In addition, they must meet clinical outcome metrics at a higher standard than required previously.
• Specifically, the rate for low-risk first-time cesarean sections (NTSV c-section rate, PC-02) has been aligned with the revised Healthy People 2020 goals.
• Facilities eligible for the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity care show statistically significant differences in key clinical outcomes compared to their peers.

“The Women’s Health Center at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center should be commended for meeting the standards necessary to achieve the status of a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care,” said Maureen Dempsey, M.D., Anthem’s chief clinical director. “Blue Distinction Centers represent the highest in their class for the specialty award designation. We are proud to work with such quality-focused provider partners to help improve the health and the lives of Virginia mothers and babies.”

Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, gene therapy, knee and hip replacement, maternity care, spine surgery, substance use treatment and recovery, and transplants while encouraging healthcare professionals to improve the care they deliver.

• Research shows that, compared to other providers, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients.

Okras is my favorite restaurant to visit in Downtown Manassas.

When I was working at CenterFuse, before covid, I would walk across the street and order the Cajun Chicken BLT, with just the right amount of kick. And I’d always bring something home for my wife, who loves Okra’s Shrimp and Grits.

Well, now I can get that same great Okras taste delivered to my door. And you can, too.

Visit Okras.com to order hot food now, or get Meal Bundles and Special Event Kits delivered to your home.

Order Okras today and find out why, for over 22 years, thousands keep coming back for the best in Cajun and Creole cuisine!

Uriah Kiser
Founder and Publisher
Potomac Local News

Regular eye exams are an invaluable tool in maintaining your eyes’ health by detecting and preventing disease.

• Some diseases develop slowly without causing pain or vision loss.
• Early detection of any problems can reduce the risk of further harm and allow for a choice of treatment options.

Children should have regular tests to ensure the proper development of their vision and prevent any interference with their academic achievements.

• Older adults are often at a higher risk for eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
• Even if your eyes are healthy, you should still have a regular eye exam to detect any problems as soon as possible and begin necessary treatment.

Making an eye exam appointment is easy.

• You can do it TODAY by calling our friendly staff in our Woodbridge and Manassas offices at 703-494-1766 or by visiting our website LateefEye.com.

Stafford County will spend $7,400 at locally-owned restaurants to purchase gift cards for families in need.

The county launched its first-ever Stafford Cares program, which will benefit 3,500 families in the county and small businesses directly impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Heart disease and stroke cause one in three deaths among women each year – that’s more than all cancers combined.

• The American Heart Association says some small changes could pay big dividends when it comes to your heart health.

Diet and exercise are known to make a difference, that’s why Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is hosting Sentara Go Red Virtual Luncheon with FIT4MOM. Shannon Link, a certified instructor and owner of FIT4MOM Lorton, has been helping new moms get active for years.

• Now, Shannon is bringing that same knowledge and energy to this free community event.

“Traditionally, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center has raised money for the American Heart Association with its Red Dress Luncheon,” explains Kathie Johnson, President, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. “Since we were unable to host the popular event, we wanted to do something to raise awareness and get people moving – especially during the pandemic.”

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center will donate $10 to the American Heart Association for every Prince William County resident who registers and joins us on Thursday, February 25 at noon.

• The FREE, 45-minute Virtual Fitness Class is designed for everyone and will have something for all skill levels.
• No need to be a ‘mom’ – everyone is welcome! We will cycle through intervals of cardio, strength, and core work, and will conclude with a peaceful stretch & meditation.*
• Click here to to register today.

*If you are new to exercise, please consult with a physician before engaging in physical activity.

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is a 183-bed, not-for-profit community hospital serving Prince William County and its surrounding communities.

• Our medical center combines the resources of a major health system with the compassionate, personalized care of a community hospital.
• SNVMC offers quiet, private rooms and high quality care focused on safety and patient satisfaction.
• We offer a wide range of medical specialties, a highly qualified medical and clinical staff and state-of-the-art technology.
• Our clinical services include advanced imaging, cancer services, diabetes management, emergency care, heart and vascular care, lab services, neurosurgery, primary care, orthopedics, urology, weight loss surgery, women’s services and more.

The health and safety of our patients, families, and team members is a priority here at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.

That’s why Sentara Healthcare has enacted policies and procedures regarding hospital visitation. COVID-19 confirmed patients (not at end-of-life) or patients awaiting COVID-19 test results are not allowed any visitors.

No visitors are allowed in our Emergency Rooms EXCEPT:
• Patients with altered mental status, developmental delays or behavioral health concerns may have 1 visitor.
• Minors under the age of 18 may have 1 visitor, either a parent or a guardian.

Patients are allowed NO visitors in our Hospital EXCEPT:
• Surgical Services lobby may have 1 visitor.
• Procedural area lobby may have 1 visitor.
• Women’s Health Center may have 1 support person.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients may have 2 visitors.
• Patients who are at the end-of-life may have 2 visitors.
• Patients with altered mental status, developmental delays or behavioral health concerns
may have 1 visitor.

Visitor Safety Guidelines:
• Visitors 12 and under are prohibited from our hospitals.
• Visitors will have their temperatures taken and be screened before entering the facility.
• Visitors will be required to wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines. If they do not have a mask, a community mask will be given to them.
• Visitors will only be allowed if they do not have symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath).
• Visitors must wash their hands or use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting the patient room.

Exceptions may be made for end-of-life patients. Please discuss options with the patient manager on duty.

These guidelines are subject to change. Please call 703-523-1000 or click here to view Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s visitation guidelines.

Hello, I’m Heather Mitchell. I’m running to represent hard-working citizens in Virginia’s 2nd House District, in Prince William and Stafford counties.

Despite all the recent focus on the pandemic, we can’t forget the need to improve our roads.

• We live in the 5th most-congested region in the country.
• People spend an average of 124 hours a year sitting in traffic.
• That’s a loss of more than $1,800 per driver per year.

In recent months, however, our former Delegate, Democrat Jennifer Carroll Foy, voted to take away millions of dollars that would have been used to improve our roads.

Before she stepped down last month to seek higher office, she voted to approve HB 1414 and HB 1726.

• Those two bills undercut our share of the state’s recordation tax money — funds used for transportation improvements in our region.
• Because of those bills, the first $20 million in recordation revenues collected won’t come here to Prince William and Stafford but will instead go to Hampton Roads.

Our former Democrat Delegate voted for both of these bills knowing that Stafford County would lose an estimated $1 million in transportation funding.

There are plenty of transportation improvements to be made in our area.

• We need a Delegate who understands those concerns and does not vote to take away funding from such a crucial need of our community.

I’ve got the experience needed to lead.

• I most recently served as a senior aide to the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, where I gained an incomparable amount of knowledge about our region’s transportation, education, and financial needs.
• I also served as a legislative aide to Delegate Emily Brewer.

When my family moved to Stafford from Okinawa, Japan, my husband and I chose to finish raising our children here in Virginia. I know that our area is a miniature version of the entire state.

• Prince William County is a growing community that, for years, has been ingrained in the fabric of Northern Virginia.
• Stafford County, a powerhouse in the Fredericksburg region, is a growing community that doesn’t view itself as fully a part of “NOVA.”

I live and work in these communities, and I know the issues there are essential to you.

• Most importantly, I know how to work with the prominent list of elected leaders from Congress, the Virginia General Assembly, and in the halls of Prince William and Stafford county governments, all of whom have endorsed my campaign.

Before becoming a proud military wife, I worked three jobs to provide a better life for my daughter.

• That experience led me down a path of public service.

And I know what it means to support those who serve our country.

• It’s the most personal level of sacrifice that someone can take to protect our freedom.

I’m asking for your vote in our Special Election on Tuesday, January 5.

Please take a moment to learn more about me and what I stand for.

• Visit my website: mitchellforva.com
• Follow me on Facebook: facebook.com/MitchellforVA
• Connect with me on Twitter: twitter.com/mitchellforva

I Back the Blue because our police officers and sheriff’s deputies work hard to make our community a better, safer place.

The lockdowns have had a devastating effect on local businesses. That’s why I will fight for a Smart COVID Policy in Richmond based on science and common sense.

The lockdowns have also had a substantial negative impact on children, many of whom struggle to learn from home. I’ll fight for working families who want the Best Education for their children and Support School Choice.

Early in-person voting ends Saturday, January 2.

Vote early in Prince William County at the following locations, from 9 a.m. to. 5 p.m.

• Prince William County Office of Elections, at 9250 Lee Avenue in Manassas
• Veterans Memorial Park, at 14300 Veterans Drive in Woodbridge.

Vote early in Stafford County at the following location, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Stafford County Voter Registrar’s Office, at 1300 Courthouse Road at the George Gordon Administration Building next to the county courthouse.

On Tuesday, Election Day, your regular polling place will be open.

• Click here to find your polling place.

Together, we can make our community and Virginia a better place for us all.

Thank you,

Heather

Paid for and authorized by Friends of Heather Mitchell