U.S. Sen. Mark Warner joins city officials and board members of Neighborhood Health at a roundtable discussion on community health June 16 at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center.

Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) was on hand for a roundtable discussion on community health care during a visit to Alexandria’s Neighborhood Health facility June 16 at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center.

Warner met with Neighborhood Health leadership and staff to learn more about the needs of community health centers that are a critical part of the healthcare safety net.

“With the public health emergency expiring, much of our funding will come to an end and a lot of people will lose Medicaid coverage as well,” said Dr. Basim Khan, CEO of Neighborhood Health. “In this situation we really hope the Senator can advocate for more community health center funding so we are able to continue our mission.”

In addition to the discussion officials toured the new clinic and facility that houses several community health partners.

“This is an incredible opportunity for us – to focus the resources that families need in a central location,” said Kate Garvey, Director of the Department of Community and Human Resources. “Whether trying to achieve health goals or deal with a major crisis we really have a majority of the services needed here to be more effective and to coordinate care.”

Warner listened as health care leaders discussed the crucial need for continued community support.

“There are so many patients in Northern Virginia who depend on us for their health care when often there is no other place to turn,” Khan said. “We serve about 35,000 people with about half of them uninsured. During the pandemic our patient population has grown but so have our expenses so continued funding is crucial.”

In closing the discussion, Warner noted that mental health issues, particularly post-COVID, will continue to be a focus of health care.

“I don’t know any family in America, including my own, that hasn’t coped with mental health issues and that need is only going to go up,” Warner said. “I will continue to try to be an advocate, continue to try to be a partner for the health of the community.”

Sen. Mark Warner, second from left, participates in a panel discussion on community health care June 16 at Neighborhood Health at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center. With him are Kate Garvey, Director of the Department of Community and Human Services, Dr. Basim Khan, Neighborhood Health CEO, and Dr. David Rose, Health Director of Alexandria Health Department.