$100K given to program helping medical needs of homeless, uninsured
Staff Report
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Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli today announced that a $100,000 surplus from his inaugural funds will be donated to The Daily Planet Inc., a downtown nonprofit health-care center that offers health-care services to the region’s homeless and low-income, uninsured individuals.
“Inaugural events are certainly a celebration of the peaceful transfer of power in a democracy, but they can also stand as a time to bring to light the needs of some of society’s most vulnerable, underserved citizens,” said Cuccinelli, who will hold events during inaugural week to raise awareness of mental-health issues.
“Mental health is a topic that bridges political parties. I have worked to improve Virginia’s mental-health system and I have made a promise to continue my work after I am sworn in as the Commonwealth’s 46th attorney general.”
Daily Planet Board of Directors President George Welch Jr. applauded Cuccinelli’s efforts, noting the funds will be put toward continuing operations at the health care center at 517 W. Grace St. in Richmond.
“We are grateful to Ken for bringing such attention and resources to the efforts at our organization, particularly during these difficult economic times when causes like mental health are often overlooked,” Welch said of The Daily Planet, which offers primary medical, behavioral health, dental, and eye care clinics and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009. Last year, 6,000 men, women and children accessed services at the Planet for almost 24,000 patient visits.
Added Welch: “This important funding will provide us with a big boost at a critical time.”
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